#ChefObsessed

Chef created cuisine to pair with your Obsession

 
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Chef Don King | #ChefObsessed

Don King is less than half the man he used to be, on the outside that is. And he's happier than he's ever been. As the owner of Fat City Brew & BBQ on the Miracle Mile in Stockton, Chef Don King has made a transformation of body and spirit. At one point, he weighed close to 600 pounds and was miserable. The excess weight kept him from his family and friends. The businesses he owned at the time, a machine shop and a grilling supply store, were suffering as well.

King said he knew he had to make a drastic change or risk losing everything, including his life. In December 2017, he began a weight-loss journey that has brought about miraculous results. Today, he weighs 220 pounds and is full of energy and optimism.

"I have a different mindset," he said. "Then, I was living for that day. Now, I'm living for tomorrow."

RECIPES:
Fat City BBQ

 
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Chef James Lehman | #ChefObsessed

Chef James Lehman’s interest in the culinary arts developed at an early age, thanks to sharing many moments in the kitchen alongside his mother Toni. His epicurious obsession would eventually lead to work at Bouchon in Yountville, California; the original French bistro developed by Chef Thomas Keller.

To further his education, Chef James attended the famed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Post graduation, he assumed the role of Executive Sous Chef at New World Home Cooking near Woodstock, New York. Under the supervision of Chef Ric Orlando, he learned to cook "real food" with big flavors.

Upon returning to his home state of California, Chef James assumed the role of Executive Chef at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys. During his time at Ironstone Vineyards, Chef James taught cooking classes, prepared and presented winemaker dinners, organized special events, and left a lasting mark on the Kautz family, his coworkers, and the community.

When not preparing meals in the #ChefObsessed kitchen, Chef James works in the healthcare industry, managing the food service for patients and hospital visitors alike.

RECIPES:
Grilled Skirt Steak Gyros
Lamb + Grilled Polenta

 
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Chef James Williams | #ChefObsessed

James William is a Caribbean Master Chef, and a featured Chef for both the American Heart Association and Champions for Change. He has been a repeat guest chef for KCRA 3 News, KXTV 10 News, and Sacramento and Company. The #ChefObsessed featured recipes can be found in his cookbook, “Cooking with Flavor with God’s Favor.”

Follow Chef James

RECIPES:
Jamaican Jerk BBQ Chicken

 
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Chef Lauren O'Leary | #ChefObsessed

My name is Lauren Rose and I am passionate about all things food and wine. I spend my days working as a private chef, sommelier, and cheesemonger in Northern California. I specialize in seasonal, Mediterranean faire with my own millennial twist. Having worked in the wine industry for the last five years as an Italian wine importer, sommelier, and educator, I have learned that wine is subjective. I believe every meal should be celebrated and wine should be approachable. I create dishes and wine pairings my way, which isn't always by the book. I host weekly pop up dinners and classes all over Northern California- stay in the loop and grab a seat at my next one.

Stay in the loop

RECIPES:
Roasted Onion Jam Bone Marrow with Caper Salsa Verde
Winter Squash Salad

 
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Chef River Klass | #ChefObsessed

River Klass loves horses, was brought up in Connecticut, and learned to eat in Paris. His first job at 14 was in a small café in Westport, Connecticut. He has worked in restaurants ever since, traveling to such places as Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Paris. It was in the kitchens of Paris where River discovered the artistry of cooking. In 1992 at the age of 29, River opened his first restaurant, Grounds, in the charming village of Murphys, CA. While cooking at Grounds, he prepared many fun, quick dishes for the kitchen staff, which became the flame behind his next restaurant Firewood; located just twenty feet away from Grounds on Main Street. After 25 years of walking through the same door, River continues to discover, adapt, and deliver the finest experience to every guest.

RECIPES:
Huevos Rancheros
Rib Eye with Chard

 
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Chef Urvin Croes | #ChefObsessed

Chef Urvin Croes has been immersed in the culinary word since 2002. His career began with an apprenticeship at the Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino. He would continue to rise the ranks of the hospitality industry working in Aruba and the Netherlands, eventually becoming the Executive Chef of the renowned Kitchen Table by White in Aruba. In 2014, The Kitchen Table by White was named Best Restaurant on Aruba by USA Today.

RECIPES:
Fishcakes with Mango and Papaya Relish

 
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Executive Chef Vanessa Dang | #ChefObsessed

Vanessa’s Bistro 2 has been proudly serving the heart of downtown Walnut Creek since September 2009. Their Vietnamese tapas with a French fusion twist offers an eclectic array of dishes that are suitable and enjoyable for all dining occasions.

Executive Chef, Vanessa Dang brings with her 30 years of food and hospitality experience to Walnut Creek while her sons Michael and Jimmy dazzle guests with their lovable personalities.

Stop by to experience our memorable Vietnamese food that will leave you craving it again and again!

RECIPES:
Filet Mignon Salad
Ahi Tuna and Salmon Poke Bowl