The holidays are right around the corner, so you know what that means! Gathering with family and friends, gifts, treating yourselves, warm feelings, creating memories, time off from all of the hard work…but you know what else? FOOD! So who else would FEMI want to talk to about food other than Celebrity Chef Ryan Rondeno?! Absolutely rhetorical. So I did my research on Chef Rondeno, and honestly, I need to go on a diet just thinking about the mouth-watering plethora of food combinations. The thought of all of the aromas and varieties of plate presentation has my imagination in go mode. What I love most about Chef Rondeno is how inclusive and interactive he is with his culinary audience and clientele. He gives plenty of options and breaks it all down. From novice to expert, anyone can get an authentic chef experience! Even better, he has placed himself smack dab in the middle of kitchens all over with ‘The Rondeno Spice Collection’ and the ‘FoodCultureApp’. Check out what Chef Ryan Rondeno had to say:
FEMI STAFF (Tyrane Hughes): “Tell us about Chef Ryan Rondeno, the early years.”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “During the early years, cooking was always a joy to be around. I came from a family of cooks and had the chance to experience the southern essence of cooking. I always dabbled in the kitchen coming home from school just trying to feed myself. I would always experiment with different ingredients and flavors to discover what could or couldn’t be a great thing. Spending lots of time at my grandparent’s house, I picked up different flavors and techniques that would start something new. I would dabble at home with breakfast to start. Once that was successful, I knew something was formulating inside of me. At that point, I wasn’t ready to make a career decision but was having fun. I began to work at a local restaurant to gather some learning experience and help decide what I wanted to do with this career. I wasn’t at the point of making culinary my career because my major was set out to be fulfilled as an electrical engineer. It was the first year of college when I knew what I really wanted to do. I changed my major to culinary arts and the rest is history.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “When did you know that this was your passion?”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “When working at my first restaurant, I knew that I wanted to do it as a career but wasn’t too sure just yet. It was my first year in college and I knew where my passion lay. As I became more engulfed and began to develop momentum with what I was doing, I saw the passion beginning to take place. It really escalated when I worked at ‘Commander’s Palace’ in the summer of 1998. As difficult as the job was, I knew that I made the right choice.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “What are some of your favorite dishes that you’ve created for some of your celebrity clientele?”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “Crab cakes with pineapple salsa- Will Smith
Lamb Croquettes with Sweet Potato- Harissa Sauce- Kevin Durant
Tuscan salad, butternut squash, cranberry, shaved red onion- Common
Cajun Shrimp Pasta- Tyrese”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes) “Speaking of celebrity clientele, what are some of your most memorable moments as a celebrity chef?”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “There are many memorable moments cooking for celebrity clientele. Cooking for Kevin Durant, Mike Tyson, the Espys, and the Emmys are always favorites. I think when meeting some of my favorite sports stars comes into play, it makes for a rewarding experience when presenting food for these individuals. Another instance, cooking at the Espys. So many celebrities were walking, experiencing, and tasting what I had prepared for the day. I knew that was a great highlight for me.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “The holidays are right around the corner, tell us some of your favorite dishes for the holidays.”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “The holidays have come quickly! So many plans to make for the holidays. Some of my favorite dishes are pecan pie, fried turkey, mac and cheese, Collard greens, prime rib, and many cakes hitting the kitchen with beautiful holiday aromas.”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “Your brand is awesome. Tell us about Rondeno Culinary Designs, the Rondeno Spice Collection, and the FoodCultureApp.”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “Thank you! Much appreciated! The FoodCulture App was created to help enhance and help home cooks with different dishes in their kitchens. I wanted to give the sense that they can try new dishes in the kitchen. It was designed for Apple and Android and can be downloaded and subscribed to on both platforms. It’s targeted at people cooking on various levels. I encourage everyone to check it out! So many great things in store!
The Rondeno Spice Collection was an avenue to develop my own spice line. I’ve been able to design six wonderful flavors that can be added to your dishes.
The Ancho-Chile BBQ Rub is a great grilling favorite. It is blended with herbs and spices that will provide a sweet and smoky flavor to your dish. These flavors can be used with chicken, seafood, pork, and beef.
- The Smoked Coffee Rub is a blend of selected herbs and spices with a beautiful smoky aroma. These flavors are meant to enhance the flavors of beef and pork. Grilling, roasting, and sauteing with the smoky cocoa coffee rub will add enhanced flavors to your meal.
- The Caribbean Jerk Rub will bring you to the island of Jamaica! The flavors are great with chicken, pork, lamb, seafood, and beef. This rub will bring a true Caribbean experience to your home!
- The Louisiana Gumbo Rub is a blend of herbs and spices that will give you authentic Louisiana gumbo. The flavors will enhance seafood, chicken, pork, and beef. Get ready to bring out Louisiana flavors in your kitchen!
- The Citrus Herb Rub is a blend of herbs and spices that will brighten up your palate. The rub can be used with chicken, pork, and seafood. Grilling, roasting, and sauteing with the rub can bring out beautiful herbaceous flavors.
These rubs can be ordered on www.rondenoculinarydesigns.com”
FEMI STAFF (Ty Hughes): “You’re most welcome!… You’re well known, you’ve traveled all over, and accomplished so much. What’s on the mind of Chef Ryan Rondeno, and what’s up next for you and your brand?”
Chef Ryan Rondeno: “Currently I’m working on a cookbook that’ll be finished in the spring. I’m also expanding digital services such as a YouTube platform and other cooking streaming services to come in the near future. Subscribe and share my Youtube channel FoodCulture, Download the app, and look for many more things to come!”
So there you have it, laid all out on the table. Literally. If you’re like me and one of your love languages is food, and bringing joy to your family and other loved ones through their tummies…get on board with Chef Rondeno! If you are flying solo and you love good food…get on board with Chef Rondeno! I will definitely be subscribing and checking out everything that he has to offer.
Follow him here:
Instagram: @nolachef212
Website:www.rondenoculinarydesigns.com
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