Meet Max Alkis | Chef and Photographer

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

Hi Max, what do you want your legacy to be?
I’ve been cooking for as long as I can remember—starting in the kitchen with my mom. Over the years, I worked in all kinds of food settings: restaurants, markets, college dining halls, food trucks, coffee shops, even a golf course. It was a great way to build experience and make connections, but I was always working under someone else’s direction. If I had an idea or thought something could be done differently, it had to go through the Chef or corporate.

Starting my own business, Max’s Personal Kitchen (@Maxs_Personal_Kitchen on Instagram), gave me the freedom to make those calls myself. I can ensure every meal is made with care and to my standards—meals that I truly stand behind. It’s not just food anymore; it’s mine, through and through. My style, my flavor, my name.

As for photography, that started with my wife. I was always snapping photos during our hikes, trips, meals—anything and everything. She eventually encouraged me to get a real camera, mainly for my interest in nature photography. That quickly grew into a passion.

One day, she suggested I bring my camera to a show. I ended up taking some photos for fun, and the performers loved them. After that, I started bringing my camera to every show. At one point, someone came up to me after I posted photos from a performance. She showed me a few shots I’d taken and told me they stirred up deep emotions—and even brought a relative to tears. That moment brought tears to my own eyes. Right then, she asked if I’d photograph her upcoming event.

That experience made me realize how much meaning and connection can live in a single photo. It became another part of who I am, something I pour a lot of love and pride into. So I decided to brand it as Relive The Moment Photography (@ReliveTheMomentPhotography on Instagram).

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’ve had a passion for food for as long as I can remember. It was not just about taste—it was the appearance, the presentation, the smell, the vibrancy, and most of all, the care and love that went into each dish. I always loved cooking for people, and the feedback I received was incredibly fulfilling. It showed me that food could be more than just nourishment—it could be an experience.

As I worked across different food businesses, I picked up a wide range of techniques, skills, recipes, and ideas. With every new environment, my passion grew deeper. I started auctioning off cooking classes, dinners, and date nights through silent auctions—and the feedback kept reinforcing that I was on the right path.

When I moved from Baltimore to Atlanta and booked my first catering gig, something clicked. They asked me to come back again, and that moment gave me the push I needed to lean further into my creative career. Seeing the joy people get from my food is what fuels me. It’s what inspired me to pursue life as a personal chef, caterer, and meal prep provider. I just want to keep sharing that love—through flavors, through experiences, through every dish I create.

And with photography, it’s the same feeling. I’m overwhelmed with joy when people connect with the moments I’ve captured. Whether it’s a meal or a photo, it’s all art to me—and seeing others enjoy that art is what makes it all worth it.

It was not an easy task to get to where I am professionally. IT took a lot of time gaining experience in all the different kitchen and management positions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As a chef, I would prepare a selection of home-cooked meals during their visit, incorporating ingredients sourced from the Dekalb Farmers Market, City Market, the Marietta Farmers and Artists Markets, and Costco.

To showcase the vibrant food scene in the area, we’d dine at a few of my go-to spots: Bella Vista 2 for exceptional Mexican cuisine, No. 246 for Italian, Ruchi for Bangladeshi, and take a food crawl along Buford Highway—exploring places spontaneously, but definitely stopping at Java Saga for Thai chicken and Lanzhou for ramen. For dessert, Butter & Cream is a must-visit, offering a variety of outstanding ice cream flavors.

We’d also explore Atlanta’s growing craft beverage scene with a casual brewery and distillery crawl. For outdoor activities, I’d plan scenic walks and hikes along the Beltline, West Palisades Trail, Arabia Mountain, and Doll’s Head Trail, along with a couple of longer hikes a bit further out. We’d also make a visit to Central Rock Gym for some indoor climbing, and venture out to Cherokee Rock Village (Sandrock) in Alabama for an unforgettable experience of outdoor climbing and camping.

My wife, a talented burlesque and fire performer, often has shows during the week, so attending one of her performances would be a highlight of the trip. For a more laid-back night out, we’d head to Mr. Cue’s—a classic dive bar and pool hall with great atmosphere.

Since we’re both part of a Dungeons & Dragons group, I’d try to organize a session during their stay, giving them the opportunity to join in, create a character, and experience a game with our crew. To wrap up the trip, we’d spend a relaxing day at Jeju, a Korean bathhouse, to unwind and recharge.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve already expressed my deep appreciation for my incredible wife, whose unwavering support has been with me since the very beginning of building my brand. I would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to my mother, who not only nurtured my love and passion for cooking but also instilled in me the belief that every meal should begin with love as its first ingredient.

A sincere thank you to all the restaurant owners who took the time to mentor, support, and challenge me. The experience I gained working in your kitchens has been instrumental in shaping my culinary journey, providing invaluable knowledge that I carry with me every day.

I’m especially grateful to Secret Garden Pole Fitness Boutique for giving me the opportunity to cater my first event in Atlanta and for continuing to trust me with their events. Your support means the world to me.

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the producers who allowed me to hone my skills as a photographer at their shows, and the performers who welcomed me into their creative spaces to capture their artistry. Your openness and encouragement have contributed significantly to my growth.

Instagram: @Maxs_Personal_Kitchen, @relivethemomentphotography

Other: MaxsPersonalKitchen@gmail.com

Image Credits
Photographers
Relive The Moment Photography
Rhonda Sebastion Photography
CodaChrome Photo

Models
Brie Fromage
Ivee the Amazon
Jimmy Fire Bean