Meet Chanel Jordan | Private Chef and Caterer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chanel Jordan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chanel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was 19 years old when lost my 9 to 5 job, so I had to figure something out to pay my bills. I was so distraught but I felt like I never wanted anyone to have control over how I make a living. A friend of mine told me that I should sell plates and even though I was doubting myself, I did it. My first dish was a cheesy chicken pot pie with a honey butter cornbread topping.

I started promoting on Facebook and it spread like wildfire. People started reaching out all the time to see what else I could cook. I could see that this was something that I had a true talent for plus I liked it. I felt it was my purpose so I decided to take the risk and start my own cooking business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a private chef and caterer, specializing in gourmet comfort food with techniques from around the world. The thing that sets me apart is the experience that you have when you book me. My flavors are like fireworks bursting in your mouth, my presentation makes you want to dig in, my service is top tier plus I bring the culture with class.

I am so proud of how far I have come, from selling plates in my 500 Sq. Ft. Apartment to cooking luxury meals for elite clientele. I worked my way up from going to barber shops, salons, and bank to sell food. I catered parties, did meal prep for athletes, hosted at clubs and lounges. Now I’m at a point where I get to make my own decisions so I choose to do private dining.

No it was not easy I just never gave up. The lessons I have learned are:

1. Stay consistent in creation
2. Stay professional but always be yourself
3. Promote myself constantly
4. Use all of my senses when creating a dish. (Taste it, smell it, imagine it, hear it.)
5. Do your research. Watch cooking shows and study other chefs
6. Network always
7. Stay Humble and Never Give Up

Craveability is a huge factor to me. I want my dishes to stick in your mind and in your soul. Our desire is to provide an experience that captivates your senses, and that you remember over, and over, and over again. I want the world to know that food is such a gift to the soul. It brings me great joy to be able to share my love for food with people, one belly at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe’ is my favorite Jamaican restaurant in town. It’s about as authentic as you can get, with a great atmosphere. I love to support my fellow black owned businesses.

Breakfast at Barney’s and Toast on Lenox are my favorite breakfast spots. They serve gourmet comfort food with great drinks and a good vibe with friends.

Also Fox Bros BBQ is amazing the best in town….next to me lol

Stone Mountain is somewhere that I recommend everyone goes as well.

As far as nightlife is concerned there is a restaurant and lounge I love to go to called Pasha. It’s fresh and flavorful Mediterranean food, premium hookah, and top tier drinks.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to give a shoutout to my 12th grade Home Economic Teacher Ms. Green. My senior year I took her class just for a semester to pass the time. At the end of the semester she came up to me and asked me, “What are you going to do with your life after high school?” I had no clue.

She told me “This whole semester not once have you followed a recipe or played by the rules.” I thought she was going to fail me but then she said, “Yet you have the best dishes in class and people always ask for your leftovers.” I was shocked, she told me I should really consider going to culinary school.

At that point I was thinking, “I can go to school to cook…..BET!” So I did! So I want to shoutout Ms. Green for noticing my talent and having the courage to say something to me about it.

Website: Www.chefnelexperience.com

Instagram: Chef_Nel