by Jennifer | Being Married to a Chef, Blog, Chef Life |
When I started this series about what it’s like to be married to or date a chef in a specific area of the kitchen, I had one of my readers, who is the chef in the relationship, ask if she could answer the questions. Of course I said yes!!
So today, I’d like to introduce you to Chef Heather Turner. You can find out more about her on her website or on Facebook or Twitter.
Tell me a little about yourself and your chef (how you met, how long you’ve been together, do you have kids, etc.)
I worked in professional kitchens since I was 13 (with a work permit), 20 years in the business with the last 8 as an executive chef. I met my husband about 3 years after I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. I was actually married at the time (to another chef) and we became friends. He was working as a salesperson for Dole & Bailey, a high end white tablecloth supplier. We’ve been together for about 18 years now, 11 years married. 2 step daughters who are totally awesome. I’ve been out of the business now for about 10+ years but still do restaurant consulting and still dream of being on a line cranking covers out. Oddly enough they are never dreams of running out of food during a rush but instead of the adrenaline junkie rush that one gets when you get into the groove of being super organized and on a roll. I always wake up from those thinking I really need to get back into the biz and then I kick myself. (more…)
by Jennifer | Being Married to a Chef, Blog, Blogging, Children |
This is the final post of this type is this series where we’ve walked through each cooking/chef position in the restaurant kitchen and have learned what it’s like to be married to or date someone in that position. (Next week I have a post from a Chef who offered to answer the questions., YAY!!)
Today, I’ll be answering the same questions. My husband is currently the Chief Culinary Officer for the Opper Melang restaurant group in Seattle, Washington.
Tell me a little about yourself and your chef (how you met, how long you’ve been together, do you have kids, etc.)
I met my husband when I was 4 and he was 5. We were high school sweethearts and got married at 20 and 21. He started working as a line cook about 6 months after we got married.
What position does your chef/cook have in the kitchen? Briefly describe the size and type of restaurant he is working at (fine dining/casual, size, privately owned or part of a restaurant group, etc.).
My husband is the Chief Culinary Officer of a restaurant group based out of Seattle, Washington. Currently they have 3 restaurant concepts (Mexican, Southern BBQ and Oyster Bar) and 12 locations, with a plan to open 3-5 a year for a while. Currently about half of the restaurants are within driving distance. When he visits the others (which are clumped together in different cities), he travels. There are two owners and a CEO above him. (more…)
by Jennifer | Being Married to a Chef, Blog, Dating |
Today as we are getting close to the end of this series, we’re moving up to the position of Corporate Chef. Today, chef girlfriend Jocelyn Dewitt is sharing her story with us!
Tell me a little about yourself and your chef (how you met, how long you’ve been together, do you have kids, etc.)
My chefs name is David! We actually met each other in culinary school. We were in the same class and thought we would make good competition partners so we completed at local food shows and proceeded to compete in a regional hot food competition were we won fourth in the northwest region!!! Both of us love to cook so it made it easy for us to understand each others dedication in the kitchen and to the restaurant life. We have been dating for 9.5 years now, no ring just good ol fashion commitment, hopefully one day soon there will be a ring! We have 4 kids. A son River 5 years old, a daughter Quinn 3 years old, Daughter Ember 1 years old and a daughter Frankie 2 months old.
What position does your chef/cook have in the kitchen? Briefly describe the size and type of restaurant he is working at (fine dining/casual, size, privately onwned or part of a restaurant group, etc.).
David is currently a Corporate Chef for Twigs. Twigs has 9 locations all owned by a father and son so privately owned. They are a casual/upscale restaurant with each location having an average of 250 seats. Twigs is an upscale bistro and martini bar that features local ingredients, fresh sheets and craft martinis. Because they are privately owned they get to do a lot of charity events for the community which is a a great plus! (more…)
by Jennifer | Being Married to a Chef, Blog, Dating |
Over the past months, we’ve heard from different chef wives about what it’s like to be married to or dating a chef in a specific position on the kitchen. Today, I’d like to introduce you to chef girlfriend Danielle Valenilla. She is dating and Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director.
Tell me a little about yourself and your chef (how you met, how long you’ve been together, do you have kids, etc.)
My chef and I have been together for about 18 months, but we’ve known each other for about 13 years. We met on the school bus when we both lived in a small town. I was in 8th grade; he was a sophomore. We stayed in touch throughout high school and college despite the crazy hours; we had the kind of friendship that could be successful without seeing each other constantly. After years of bumping into each other and looking for love in the wrong places, we found it in our friendship. I had an extra ticket to a Broadway show and his schedule aligned just right for that to become the beginning of us as a couple and not just friends. Our dating life basically existed in a one day a week kind of thing but our foundation of friendship went far. We’ve lived together for a year, and it’s been amazing. We don’t have kids, and we’re pretty sure we won’t because of some of the goals we have for ourselves. I’m on a journey to get my doctorate, and he’s driven to make his kitchen the best it can be. (more…)
by Jennifer | Being Married to a Chef, Blog |
I’m back this week again with another guest post about what it’s like to be married to a chef. Today, I’d like you to meet Alix-Patrice Ogilvie. She is married to an Executive Chef and I’m so grateful she was willing to share her story with us. I know I can relate and I’m sure many of you can as weld. 🙂
Tell me a little about yourself and your chef (how you met, how long you’ve been together, do you have kids, etc.)
I met my Chef (Craig) on OKCupid about 2 years ago. We met online because we were both working in the industry, were coming out of rather long term relationships and we weren’t really looking for anything too serious so we wanted to stay out of the industry “dating pool” at our respective places. We have a 6 month old son named Jamie, but we call him Bean because the first thing Craig said when we saw him on the ultrasound was “It looks like a bean!” and it sort of stuck. Chef to the core right there. (more…)
