Meet Chef Shantel Dean | Certified Culinary Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Shantel Dean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef Shantel, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Outsiders will never understand the hard work and dedication that it takes to be a caterer. Being that I make the job look so easy, people under estimate the time and energy that goes into each job. Planning, shopping, prepping, cooking and finally the display. That’s a lot! This industry is so competitive now days you have to make yourself stand out. It takes so much more to make it on this industry now.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This journey is tough. I’ve  raised five children, buried my one and only son that was only 17 years old. I am a motorcycle rider, chef, wife, grand mother and CEO of the Stacey Monts Foundation INC, in which my daughters and I founded after this loss of my son. What sets me a part from others, I don’t look like what I’ve been through. I’m strong, I’m committed and I certainly will get the job done. Along the way I’ve faced so many challenges, but nothing will stop me. My brand defines me. I believe in what I do. I have a passion and desire to not only cook but to be one of the best out there.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Downtown Atlanta would be my go to. You can close your eyes and pick any restaurant and you will not loose. My daughter recently took me to a small place in Roswell Ga called Deep Roots. That place was amazing, it would definitely on the itinerary. The ambiance and the wine tastings made for a nice laid back date for us. Cuts Steak house would make this list as well. If you want yourself a steak that’s the steak house that I  would recommend. You can’t visit Atlanta without visiting our historic places like, The Coca-Cola Factory and the Aquarium. Last but not least I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday at Soigne Garden, great food and a very serine atmosphere with the display of the flowers every where. The bathroom was to die for, I hardly get the chance to say nice things about restaurant bathrooms.

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 want to shoutout my love ones, my husband and my daughters in particular. They all have supported me through think and thin throughout this journey. My friends and family also are some of my biggest fans and clients. Most jobs that I get are referred to me directly from a friend, family or associates. I could not and will not let this opportunity pass without shouting out my instructors from culinarily school. They all played a major part in my decisions and my knowledge of this industry. I want to thank each and everyone that have supported me throughout the years. You all are appreciated!

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Image Credits
Pear tree photography