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

Hi Joy, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Im from Miami FL. Growing up in Miami exposed me to so much culturally. From the music and food even the way I speak. Being raised around so many different cultures taught me to be understanding observant and open and trying new things i.e. food travel

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m most proud of my music and culinary career. I put a lot of blood sweat and years into becoming a versatile chef and writer. In no way shape or form was it easy. Long shifts and late nights. Being underpaid overlooked and over worked. Yea its been a perilous journey. Through it all I’ve learned to be patient resilient and consistent. I want the world to know no matter how dark or gloomy the past is we always have the power to mold our future.

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.
I would definitely cook for my friends. I love a good dinner party. An intimate setting. Game night. A good brunch place would be Thumbs Up. Dinner vibes would definitely be Empire State South or Bar taco. I’m a sucker for live music so i would definitely grab tickets to a concert or comedy show. Hiking and getting outdoors. Sweetwater creek is definitely one of my favorite places for serenity fishing or just a great time. For late night drinks definitely used to be Joe’s on juniper but I’d go to Vortex as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wise and beautiful mother Diann Kendrick. My tribe. Fiyah Food. Jeremy J King. Michael English Rashida Jackson Queen Latifah. Ina Garten. And all of Florida.

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