Sunday, October 26, 2008

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE COOKING

Can you believe episode 3 of “The Chef Jeff Project” is airing tonight? We are already half way through the series. I know everyone has their favorite crew member. They were all my favorites, each one different and talented in their own way. Keep watching as the challenges get tougher and see if the crew continues to rise to the occasion and show hope. Keep an eye on Maria tonight.

I am coming to the end of my month long book and TV tour. It has been a world wind tour with stops in Atlanta, Florida, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York, Texas and Chicago. I have met so many great people who encouraged me to keep pressing forward with my work. Thank you all for your support.

During my travels, with much of the hype built around my TV show, I truly hoped that many of you enjoyed my cooking demonstrations and tasting my food while I was on the road.

I did a demonstration while at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival in front of a packed room of “Foodies” from around the world. While on an ABC affiliate show in Chicago I prepared “Striped Sea Bass” and my old school “Pineapple Upside Down Cake”. On “Good Day Atlanta” I prepared “Sweet Potato Soup w/ Collard Greens and S’ more Bread Pudding w/ Vanilla Ice Cream”. You can view many of my cooking demos online including the one on Good Morning America early this month. Check them out, its really all about the food!

That’s it, all this talk about food is making me hungry. Tune in every Sunday night and watch my crew put it down in the kitchen while making personal progress in their lives.

Hit me up and tell me some of your favorite foods and recipes. Also, pick up my new cookbook “Chef Jeff Cooks” on sale now in your local book store.

Many Blessings-CJ

Monday, October 13, 2008

AN ARMY OF ONE

The Chef Jeff Project premiered on the Food Network channel. It was a dream. So many of you sent emails and supportive blogs right after the show, it was overwhelming. To know that the show touched so many lives and so many people care about what happens to the crew after just one episode was amazing. I don’t want to give up any details for episode two, just keep watching, it only gets more inspiring from here. The six crew members truly touched my life during filming and as a result, I am even more committed to continue touching lives through the Chef Jeff Project.

Since my appearance on “Oprah”, my story on “My Life in Food” and now the first episode of my reality show the correspondence from parents, grandparents, children, teachers, organizations and people all over the world has increased dramatically. To know there are so many young people and adults out there who need a guide on life’s journey is tough. A mother or father expressing there anxiety about the future of their child.…so many stories come to my inbox daily, its difficult to read them all, as I try to advise and help as many people as I can.

One thing I’ve had to come to terms with, with the help of my family, is that I can’t help everyone at once. I’d love to change the world and come to each at-risk youngster/adult and help them…but I can’t. Its impossible. I am one man….an army of one. Yes, I am dedicated to using my journey to inspire and motivate but I am also have troops of my own, a wife and three young children that need me.

Through the Chef Jeff Project, I hope to provide the crew the armor needed to fight on their own. I hope viewers will see how far a hug, positive words and believing in a person’s potential can go in changing lives; I want to bring “the project” into homes across the country. Please make a commitment to build confidence in youngsters in need. Join my army. Make a difference and give back. These youngsters are in war for their life but they have to fight, become self motivated and once the boots are placed on their feet…they must tie them up and walk towards their own success.

Circle of Sisters in NYC was great last weekend. Thanks to all of the fans that showed me love in NYC!

Up next, I’m coming to the “A”, get ready Atlanta I am in your city today. Check me out on Good Day Atlanta (Tues./Oct 14) and I will also be signing books at Borders Books in Buckhead the same day.

As always, Bon Appetit!

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

TAKING A BITE OUT OF THE “BIG APPLE”

I hit NYC yesterday as I begin my six week media tour for the release of my cookbook and television show. As I boarded the plane from Vegas to NYC I had no idea that the “Chef Jeff Project” had reached the friendly skies….30,000 feet into the air a promo for the “Chef Jeff Project” came on the in-flight satellite TV on the Food Network channel. The lady sitting next to me said…”Is that you”, I was saying the same damn thing “is that me”…LOL.

That was just one of many eye opening experiences for me. I landed in NY and headed to my hotel in the village…another surprise. Right across the street from the Food Network HQ building, there it was…a huge billboard advertising the show, me and the 6 crew members from the “Chef Jeff Project” plastered on the side of a building, it was amazing. In my wildest dreams I never imagined this.

Pick up my cookbook “Chef Jeff Cooks” in stores today!

Follow my life’s journey Wednesday (Oct 8) on “My Life in Food” on the Food Network channel.

Come out to my book signing at Howard University on Thursday (Oct 9), contact the Howard book store for times and details.

Check me out cooking on “Good Morning America” this Friday (Oct 10).

NYC, come see me cook BBQ Shrimp Scampi at “Circle of Sisters” at the Javitz Center this Saturday (Oct 11)and meet my special guest who will prepare dessert for the ladies, you won't want to miss this!

I will also be coming to a book store near you, check the events tab on my website for dates and locations.

Until next time, Bon Appetit.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST

It has been 11 years to the day, October 2, that I was released from prison. On this 11th Anniversary of my release I can reflect on a long journey filled with many great stories and some set backs. No life is without set backs. Set backs are just small pieces to a large puzzle. Learn from life's lessons and use the knowledge you gain to improve yourself and the lives of the ones you love. .

On the bright side of things, I am at peace for the first time in my life. Today I am living a dream. My children are so special to me and touch me in ways I can't even explain. I watched my youngest daughter attempting to hit musical notes in her vocal class, she was so amazing. Soon after my middle daughter, with her bright smile and long fingers, jammed away in her piano class. All three of my children are fantastic and I sit back in awe of their talents. They are all so beautiful and as I watch and listen to them it makes me proud to be a real father…don’t take life lightly, find your purpose and live your dream your way.