We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Slim and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Chef, what role has risk played in your life or career?
For me, taking risks throughout my professional career and business has brought different opportunities. Sometimes taking a risk could be a simple “yes” to something. I’ve taken risks with switching my professional career, trying something different and outside of my comfort zone. Get uncomfortable. Taking a risk in most situations is moreso taking on a challenge. The moment I took a risk in investing in myself, things started to flourish in many ways. Stepping outside my comfort zone has made me a better chef and individual. When we take risks, we have to make sacrifices, and sacrifices can pay off in the long run.
What should our readers know about your business?
Chef Slim’s Kitchen is the personification of what I’ve been doing since a teenager on Scott Blvd. If you know, you know. Providing a service of love by fulfilling your appetite. Coming from humble beginnings, if there was anything I could do for my loved ones, I would feed you. I’m proud of myself for putting myself out there. Investing in myself. Doing what I love to do, on my own time. Working in the hospitality field for over 10 years definitely helped give me a head start when it comes to handling business. Being that I’ve been a student of the game, I’ve taken the crash course into the field to that I’ve decided to devote myself. Hell no it isn’t easy, especially now! With inflation, rates going up, and the cost of living going up; aka the 21st-century struggle. I continue to cater intimate occasions, and small parties. Then I have my meal plan services for individuals looking to switch up their diets and/or looking for more consistent meals. Not to mention some other things that I have in the works. Being able to use my creativity to generate income while maintaining consistency. All in all, overcoming for me is simply figuring it out. Obstacles will come, how will you maneuver through them to reach your goal?
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Most of my friends have become homebodies, but when we do go out, we’re eating and drinking. Monday night we would hit up Doc’s. Get a good order of some lemon pepper wings and some good ole tater tots. Yes, tater tots. After that fried food fest, we’re hitting up the Local on Ponce. Karaoke night is fun. Plenty entertainment. Tuesday is for Taco Tuesday, so we’re hitting up El Progresso aka Prison Taco for some BOMB tacos. Top 5 in the city hands down. Shoutout to my Primo. That night, we’re going to Barbacoa in the Virginia Highlands for some MORE tacos. Wednesday we’re taking a break from outside, lol. I would cook whatever they request, which would more than likely be a Jamaican meal. Thursday, we are closer to the weekend so we can get to some fun stuff. So Thursday, we would go to Nuevo Laredo Cantina and get some fire Mexican food and drinks. Then hit up the Top Golf around the corner and have a good time. Friday evening, we’re going to the Inman Park area, specifically Char. The combination of delicious Korean BBQ, a great drink selection, and the VIBES. After that, we’re hitting up Sublime Doughnuts for some sweet treats. Saturday morning we are starting of the day having breakfast at Highland Bakery.
Afterwards we would rent a couple bikes and ride some of the beltline. Then we would head to the New Black Wall Street Market in Stonecrest, spend some time in there. Check out some new local vendors. That night, we hitting up Edgewood Ave and walking the strip. See what Our Bar looking like. Then go to Joystick to play some arcade games. Awe, the nostalgia. Sunday morning, we’re cooling it like that Lionel Richie song. That afternoon we would get some food from my one of my favorite spots in Marietta, R&C’s Southern Cooking. After that, we would pull up on some friends and kick it for the rest of the evening. See, nothing crazy. A bunch of eating and drinking and chilllllin.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
God gets the biggest shoutout. Rest in peace to my granny, Pearline. Read my first cookbook in her house, and that’s where it all began. I love you and appreciate you Maa.
Website: www.chefslimskitchen.com
Instagram: _chefslimskitchen