Wednesday, September 24, 2008

WHAT'S COOKING?

First of all I want to thank those of you who have shown me so much love over the years. Your encouragement and unwavering support is appreciated. Secondly, I would like to thank everyone who supported my memoir "Cooked" taking me straight to the New York Times Bestsellers list.

I just wrapped on my new TV show The Chef Jeff Project and completed my first cookbook Chef Jeff Cooks. My promotional tour will kick off next month taking me across the US. I hope to meet many of you along the way. 

Have a cool weekend!

Much Love,

Chef Jeff

16 comments:

Brendan Ciecko said...

Jeff, welcome to the blog world!

jackie said...

Wow ! congratulations Jeff ! Last time I spoke or saw you was in 2002 when you still worked at Ceasars, and I remember you always talking about helping adolescents who have been in trouble with the law. I think it is great what you are doing. Keep up the great work !

Jackie V. (the prican)

Cali Slim said...

My Baby Brother, I am so happy for you and your family. When I tell my friends, co-workers and some people that I don't even really know how proud I am of you they listen because your story is so powerful and people can relate and respect what you are doing, especially me because I was there and know how the struggle was. I Love you!

KamaDiva said...

Congratulations on your success! I will admit that I have a lot to learn about you and your journey. I stumbled upon your site from the Chef Jeff Project. I have a son, who has taken an interest in cooking and culinary arts. Lately, he has been commandeering the TV and watching the Food Network. I wish I had heard about you previously as I would have tried to sign him up as part of your show. At any rate, please continue to do your best and put GOD first. I will stay tuned...and learn more!

KamaDiva said...

....forgot to say that we will are planning to see you at Borders in Atlanta!!

Anonymous said...

Our Juvenile Hall has tried to work out some cullinary programs for the kids - tied with a gardening program so they can grow fresh herbs and vegetables. Have you ever thought about working out a curriculum for kids and jail inmates?

Jeanie said...

Dear Chef Jeff,

I just finished reading your book, "Cooked", and really enjoyed it. Your journey was hard and inspiring at the same time. I felt scared and yet hopeful as I turned each page. As a teacher and fellow human, I was rooting for you to find the gifts God gave you. When I stopped to think about it, you were never arrested - until the end. You had God on your side your entire life. It just took you a few years :) to realize it! Keep inspiring others with your story and talents.

I hope to meet you some day.

Jeanie Curry - 5th grade teacher in Atglen Pennsylvania

golidigold said...

Wow!! I had heard of this new chef but never put two and two together. I met you many moons ago in san diego(in that burnt orange Monte Carlo in apts near round table where I hurt my foot!, I lived in PQ). I thought you were something then, but my goodness how good is God!! I applaud the man you've become. Keep inspiring the young people to dare to dream and be the best they can be. I'll be picking up your book and will tune in to the show. God Bless you and your family.

*Tanyetta* said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
legalchef said...

Dear Chef Jeff,
I applaud you in all of your efforts. I am "The Legal Chef." I love your approach and intervention through children. I have dreamed of the same concept but I have been unable to launch such project. As being in Law Enforcement & Culinary, I do understand how they work well together to give our children an alternative off these streets. Maybe you can give me some direction on how I can initiate such a project here in Chicago.
Keep doing what youre doing.

suebhoney said...

I read your book and found your story very inspiring. You really are a true role model. I have a 23 year old son who has had a rocky road so far but is successfully turning his life around. He also likes to cook and has inherited his Dad's skill in that area. I wish you continued success with your future endeavors we need more people like you in this world.

MsBell1776 said...

Thank-you and GOD bless you and your family as you travel on your journey! You are such an inspiration. I truly love the fact that you are willing to mentor, inspire, motivate and give hope to those whom society has given up on.

As a single mother of seven children with a background of institutionalization and hopelessness myself, I continue to seek out those with stories and experiences such as yours so my children maintain hope and motivation in their lives. Four of my children are currently in college, and I know that it is due to people, just like yourself, who is willing to mentor and give of their time to make a difference in their lives.

Again thank-you for all that you do because there are so many, I'm sure, that has and will continue to benefit from your life's experiences.

Jacqueline B., Indiana

Tara said...

Yeah! I just watch the first episode of your show. I GET IT! I know, respect and understand the passion that you put into your show. I understand the affect of mentoring and supporting others untill they can stand on their own. I just wanted to reinforce what you already know...the past was the preparation for the future. To tap into people takes an understanding of the inner turmoil. Again, YEAH, Bless you and your family. You are touching more people than you can imagine.

KEITH GREEN said...

HI CHEFF JEFF, I AM SENDING YOU THIS IN EFFORT TO FIND OUT HOW I CAN GET ON YOUR SHOW. MY NAME IS KEITH GREEN AND I AM A 45 YEAR OLD BLACK MALE WHO IS LOOKING TO GET A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE. I HAVE WATCH YOUR SHOW FOR THE FIRST TIME LAST NIGHT AND I WAS BLOWN AWAY WITH IT. I AM AN EX DRUG USER, I HAVE BEEN DOING DRUGS FOR ABOUT TWENTY YEARS. I AM CURRENTLY CLEAN RIGHT NOW AND GOING TO N.A AND A.A , I HAVE ELEVEN MONTHS CLEAN AND LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING A YEAR. I MADE A PROMISE TO MYSELF THAT WHEN I GET A YEAR CLEAN THAT I WILL PERSUE MY LIFE PASSION, THATS COOKING. I HAVE WORKED IN SOME PRETTY GOOD RESTERAUNTS IN MY PAST AND MANAGE TO HOLD ON TO MY JOB FOR MONTHS AT A TIME, BUT THEN THE ALCOHOL AND DRUGS BECAME MY JOB. I HEARD YOU SAY THAT EVERY PERSON DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE, I AM HOPING TO GET THAT CHANCE WITH YOU AND GET ON YOUR SHOW FOR THE SECOND SEASON, I HAVE TWO KIDS AND I DON'T EVEN SEE THEM MUCH, BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN AN ABSENT FATHER TO THEM ALL THIER LIVES. I HAVE AN 14 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND A 12 YEAR OLD SON, I WANT TO BE A FATHER TO MY KIDS AND HELP SUPPORT THEM AND ALL OF THIER NEEDS,TO ME COOKING WAS TO ME LIKE HANGING OUT WITH MY FRIENDS, IT WAS'NT WORK IT WAS FUN. I LOST THAT PASSION A LONG LONG TIME AGO, NOW THAT I AM TRYING TO GET MY LIFE IN ORDER I AM GETTING THAT BURNING DESIRE AGAIN. I FIND MYSELF WATCHING THE FOOD NETWORK AND DAY DREAMING THAT IT WAS ME COOKING ON TV. I AM A VERY GOOD COOK WHEN I AM FOCUS, I LOVE THE STRESS THAT THE KITCHEN CAN THROW AT YOU. I LOVE IT WHEN THE KITCHEN GET SLAM AND YOU AND YOUR LINE COOKS BECOME ONE MACHINE AND KNOCK IT OUT THE PARK, THATS WHATS ITS ALL ABOUT. I LOVE TO SEE A KITCHEN CREW WORK TOGETHER, THATS A BEAUTIFUL THING TO SEE. I MISS THAT COMPETION WITH OTHER COOKS WHEN WE PUSH EACH OTHER TO BE THE BEST WE CAN BE, OR HAVING AN COMPETION ON SEEING WHO HAS THE LEAST AMOUNT OF PLATES SENT BACK TO THE KITCHEN IN A WEEK, I LOVE WINNING THAT POT, HEALTHY COMPETION KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES. I LOVE TO LEARN AND TRY NEW THINGS, I TAKE DIRECTION WELL AND CAN HANDLE STRESS VERY WELL. THE MORE THE STRESS THE BETTER I GET. I DON'T CLAIM TO KNOW EVERYTHING, BUT I WANT TO SOMEDAY. I AM ASKING YOU TO PLEASE WRITE ME AND TELL ME HOW TO GET ON YOUR SHOW FOR THE NEXT SEASON. I DO BELIEVE THAT I HAVE THE FIRE AND THE DETERMINATION TO BE THE BEST I CAN BE. I DO SOMEDAY WANT TO WORK IN LAS VEGAS OR ON A CRUISE SHIP.

scottie said...

Chef jeff,
I went out and got your book like you said i should do.I'm reading it for the second time.It's like your talking about me.I hope to see you again in New YOrk and get a chance to help you out in the kitchen once more.

Much Love,Scottie

Flying Chef said...

Chef Jeff I watch your show and am happy to see that some one is taking an interest in the young people. I didn't have a problem when I was growing up. I have always tried to help people. Recently I was hurt on the Job and was put out of commission and was filling sorry for my self. I spent 37 years as an aircraft mechanic. I was stuck in my house unable to do much had to have both knees replaced and un able to continue in the career that I loved. Watched every movie that I have about 6 times each. One day I thought that I would suprise my wife and have dinner ready when she got home from work. From that point on it took off. I attended a once a month cooking class at a local resterauant with the head chef and he inspired me to go tlo the local college and enter into there culinary program where I graduated in the top of the class. My wife loves it because I have taken over the kitchen which has given me new direction and purpose in my life. I thank Chefs like you for teaching me not to give up and I especially admire what you are doing Chef Jeff.