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

Hi English, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I believe without risk there is no progression and/or reward. As far as food goes I have based my entire career using risk. Putting food items that don’t traditionally go together. Using techniques and preparations that seem taboo or risky to others. I feel taking risk is truly the only way to be innovative and that is what I constantly push myself to do. Take risk be an innovator.

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.
I consider cooking an art. And what I believe sets me apart from others is my lack of satisfaction. I’m very rarely satisfied i can make the dish of my life, win a competition, be told it was the best thing someone has ever tasted yet I will be looking deeper into what I can do better, how I could I have made it just a little bit better. Its a lil bit of an obsession lol but I believe in a very positive way.

Getting to where I am today was definitely not easy. Fear played a part in the beginning. Knowing I cooked well but questioning how well. Wondering if people would understand/accept my approach on food. Investing my money hoping it would pay off, But it has and i cant take full credit for that I have a wonderful support system of Family and friends that push me and believe in me and amazing team with Chef English cooks LLC that does their part as well as holds me accountable and pushes and allows me to focus on being the best chef I can! You cant do everything alone.

Chef English Cooks LLC is a labor of love. Everything is based on the love of food and making people happy by feeding them. That is the most important aspect and I believe as long as that remains the focus there is no limit to what the this brand can achieve

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well if my best friend visited Evenings would be filled with speakeasies. That is my favorite thing to do when im not working is find undercover bars and restaurants . WE would visit a multitude of restaurants. Some iconic and classic (KAT’Z, Peter Lugers) some new and innovative (Bolero, Pho Bar, Lagos). Any type of sporting Event is a plan for me but i feel no visit is complete without a home cooked meal sitting spending time in the comfort of a home with people you know and love , prepared by those same people talking and reminiscing !!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
MY grandmother deserve MAJORITY of the credit for my culinary place in this world. She groomed me without my knowledge. Just watching her in the kitchen at home or at church. Seeing her ability to make something out of what was perceived to be nothing and always finding new ways to make anything work in the kitchen was truly my biggest inspiration and is where i draw all my culinary pride from!

Website: ChefEnglishcook.com

Instagram: instagram.com/Chefenglishcooks

Facebook: facebook.com/Chefenglishcooks

Youtube: youtube.com/@chefenglishcooks

Image Credits
Chef English Cooks

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