Meet NEELMA PATEL | Chef/Culinary Instructor

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

Hi NEELMA, what inspires you?
I get inspired by food especially because it plays a major role in so many aspects of our entire being, From the well being of our bodies to the way it impacts economies around the globe, it is one medium that is also part of our daily routine. I love learning about new ingredients, global cuisines and the journey of food in history.

What should our readers know about your business?
After a successful and lucrative sales career in banking, I was offered a new opportunity to become a stay at home mom to my young children. In this process I revisited my teen years and got reintroduced to my love of food making while raising my own family. Through tutoring, chauffeuring, cooking, cleaning, maintaining home life and social balance, new projects and failed businesses, I am known today as Chef Neelma.

I have worked in the food service industry since then in various capacities; as a dishwasher, server, professional cook, baker, caterer, food writer, food entrepreneur, pastry chef and currently as a culinary instructor. My dining realm is trendy, intuitive and cultural. I offer corporate and private team building classes.

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?
I am new to the Atlanta area. So far I have had the opportunity to visit many restaurants in suburban downtown areas that have blown my mind. Coming from an area where both the NYC and Philadelphia food scene was only 40 minutes away for me, I know now I’m not going to miss much of the Northeast and I am truly relishing the Southern Hospitality. Here are some of the restaurants I would love to dine at soon:

Bacchanalia
Talat Market
Kyma
Lyla Lila
& A lot of places at the Chattahoochee Food Works

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?
My love for cooking started at grass roots. I come from a culture that is obsessed with food for the last 5,000 years but it is really the philosophical and creative value that my grandmother and mom instilled into me about cooking food. The depth of my knowledge is credited to these two ladies along the many work families I have had the opportunity to be a part of for years.

Website: https://chefneelma.blogspot.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefneelma/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neelma-patel-99964429

Twitter: https://twitter.com/chefneelma?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chefneelmap/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSbNc7cLPQ07gTg_brtfg4g