We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kelston Moore a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kelston, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The heart of the man and the soul of the island is the perfect recipe for great cuisine. I was once told that ‘every chef has to have a cooking story”. Well, what better story than legacy? The story of father and son.
Growing up in Barbados, I watched my father pour passion and love into every dish he made. He worked as a waiter by day, at night cooking was his claim to fame as he was known all around the island for his BBQ PIGTAILS. I knew then, I did not want to be just another Chef. I wanted to be known for something timeless and innovative. Even with my son I involve him in every aspect of my culinary life, he goes shopping, helps prep, and learns techniques. I want to keep that bond with him and food is our shared love.
Coming up in the Chef community with minimal help, my journey has been letting experience be my best teacher. The help that i didn’t get was the help that I needed, Which led me to be the Cofounder of Bad Boyz of Culinary Inc – a non profit whose missions statement is to highlight African American Chefs and create awareness through scholarship, events, programs and mentorship. As a young black chef, I’ve endured my share of trial and tribulations without the help of a lot of people. I believe the culinary industry needs more mentorship, guiding and helping those who are truly passionate in this field.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My cooking journey began as a child watching my dad. My professional cooking journey began upon enlisting in the United States Navy serving as a Culinary Specialist on the USS Carl Vinson CVN 70 (one of the highlights of my life), where I gained life experience, became proficient in human relations, cooking in mass quantities, leadership skills, and most importantly personal growth.
We were serving roughly 4500 sailors daily 3-4 meals a day which sounds unbelievable but we executed everyday because we were a TEAM. So many different people from all walks of life coming together through food to get the job done. Leaving our homes, families, hobbies and all behind on a 7 month deployment, I wouldn’t trade those memories, its what makes me the great Chef dad I am today.
As a Chef, knowing people from all walks of life is essential in relatability and connection. In 2018, I left the Navy and began an apprenticeship under Chef Geoff Cole of Admirals Experience Inc, traveling and providing meal services to the troops. Here is where I learned respectable business practices that I still use today.
In the midst of my entrepreneurial journey, the question etched into my head was “what’s missing?” I wanted to find and provide just that. What is missing from your dining experience, your night out, your romantic and celebratory dinners? That is when I dubbed myself, “The Date Night Chef.” “Bringing The Restaurant To You.” It turns out that I was the only one doing them back then, and I realized I was onto something because the response and the recommendations I received were immense. I would come to a clients home with my own equipment, and they would just provide the kitchen, where I would cook a 4-5 course meal with wine pairings. I think that is what sets me apart from other private chefs, my dedication to seeing where there is a need and believing in myself no matter who tells me it wouldn’t work and executing flawlessly.
I am most proud of being a father. Navigating this journey is challenging but it helps me in my career as well by allowing me to be patient, creative, innovative, and loving. Everyone that is a Chef, I would recommend possessing these traits as it will help with proving the best experience for each client. My brand is all about leaving a memorable experience and telling my story through food.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
This is a tough one, I would say a few years back I had a really low point in my life where I thought that I couldn’t do this anymore. I was working in the navy, at home depot, and a friends restaurant right after my son was born. So many days and nights dealing with my mental health and just battling my mind, I finally was fed up and attempted to take my own life. After being hospitalized for what felt like eternity it was the turning point for me that I had a second chance at life. That I am the only one who can change my situation, I am the only one who can believe in me, I am the only one that can achieve what I want out of life. I truly believe that is why I am so resilient in my life as a father and Chef. I realized that life is amazing and there’s so many beautiful things you can do to change your situation. Each dish that I create whether it doesn’t turn out how I want, I still have an opportunity to make it better or make the next course better. You have to look at things that way because experience is your best teacher and everything is a learning lesson. Identify what went wrong, why it went wrong, how you can make it better, then try again. Thats the beauty of life.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
I get asked this question all the time, I tell everyone social media is just that MEDIA. It’s what you make of it. I don’t put everything out there as I try to keep some parts of my life private, but I built my following, by just showing my grind. The day ins and outs, the long days, the good days, and of course the bad days. I show the things that matter to me the most and my values. My life as a father, a teacher (dad), a son (being in my sons shoes), family, passion of cooking, luxury ( the clients I work for) and most importantly the FUN in all i just listed. I am very authentic in my social media life, and I think that’s what a lot of people forget, is to just be you and not like anyone else. If you’re just starting your social media journey be authentic, and tell your STORY.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.chefkelston.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkelston/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Datenightchef
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelston-moore-675894190/
- Twitter: @chefkelston
Image Credits
Chefs Roll Chef Works Valierie Durham Photography