We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dorian Southall. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dorian below.

Dorian, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

This a great question! One of the best bosses I have ever had was Chef Chris Kurth. He was/is such a talented chef, but that is not why I thought he was a good boss. What stood out to me was that he was himself. He was slightly odd and quirky while, at the same time, being a fantastic creative chef. What I thought was expected in the culinary world was…mean, cursing, and berating chefs that embarrassed their staff. Chef Chris should me that was path wasn’t necessary. To this day, I still think of Chef Chris when Im doing events and remembering just to be myself. Having my guest thoroughly enjoy themselves is very important to me, and when I can be myself, that comes naturally.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I own Scratch Test Kitchen, a private chef and catering service, a test kitchen, a pop-up event, and consulting company all rolled into one. The goal of Scratch Test Kitchen is to change the culinary landscape and bring fun back into cooking, something I believe has been missing for some time.

What sets me apart from others is that I offer my clients a truly customizable, luxury dining experience. I bring a non-stuffy fine dining experience for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own house.

A passion for locally sourced ingredients has shaped my cooking style into one that is complex and carefully crafted with a touch of simplicity. This idea comes to fruition by working with local purveyors to source the best ingredients, allowing my dishes to speak for themselves. I’ve cooked for thousands all over California, from The Godfrey Hotel in Hollywood to the Ivy Hotel in San Diego. I was featured on Food Network as a finalist in Guy’s Grocery Games and have been a competitor and guest judge on Chef’s Roll. I love playing with ingredients, textures, and flavors, creating dishes that seem elaborate but simple and delicious.

Although guests can identify all ingredients in my dishes, they still possess a “WOW” factor, which Food & Beverage Magazine and Great Taste Magazine have recognized. My no-nonsense approach focuses on products of high quality and in season, allowing the natural flavors to come through in his cooking.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

This was an interesting question. One of the lessons I had to unlearn is that everything is not so black and white. I’ve had to learn to flow from client to client, event to event, menu to menu, etc. Even after almost three years in, I am still getting used to the consistent inconsistencies of owning your business. Being more fluid in certain situations has led to different and better opportunities.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

There are two different ways I effectively grow my clientele. First is word of mouth. I have some of the best clients, in my opinion, and I consistently get referrals from them. When you are authentic, people pick up on that and want to share that experience with others. Second, I participate in fundraising events. This has become a great and new way to expand my clientele to people I may not have been in contact with.

Contact Info:

• Website: scratchtestkitchen.com
• Instagram: scratchtestkitchen
• Facebook: scratchtestkitchensocial
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doriansouthall/

Image Credits
Photos by Lisa Torres, Instagram ill_photoz and illcreationz