Dubbed “Jay Z” by his peers during his professional training at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., Chef Jay Z taps the power of InHarvest’s portfolio of premium grains, legumes and whole-grain blends to stimulate all of the senses. He works personally with chefs and operators in multiple industry segments to help them capitalize on the singular qualities of InHarvest’s products to increase sales by heightening the dining experience. His focused recipe development is based on existing and forecast menu trends, evolving customer demand and seasonal and regional ingredients.
Chef Jay Z embraces and teaches the philosophy espoused by the “doyenne of American cooking,” the late Julia Child, who recommended moderation in eating throughout her cooking career. In Child’s estimation, no food was “bad” when enjoyed responsibly. Meanwhile, Chef Jay Z also passionately promotes “plant forward” cooking and eating as part of an ideal American lifestyle—not only for better health, but to encourage ecological best practices.
Based in the metro Charlotte area, Chef Jay Z is certified by the American Culinary Federation as an executive chef (CEC). He spearheaded his ACF chapter’s contribution to the USDA’s Chefs Move to Schools with “5 a Day the Color Way in Charlotte,” which relies on chef volunteers and donated foods. The program became a model for ACF chapters nationwide to engage with schools in their communities and teach students to appreciate whole, fresh foods and their origins and make healthful choices throughout their lives.
Chef Jay Z currently is serving his second term as president of the American Culinary Federation Chefs of Charlotte, Inc. He was honored nationally by the ACF with a 2016 Cutting Edge Award, which is presented to a select group of chefs annually in recognition of their leadership and service to the culinary profession. The chef was also acknowledged by the organization’s president with a 2018 ACF Spirit of Aloha Award bestowed upon an elite handful of culinarians. More recently, the ACF Chefs of Charlotte, Inc., under Chef Jay Z’s leadership, received the organization’s 2019 Chapter of the Year Award for the Southeast Region.
Sessions
Exploring World Flavors; Inspired Grains