Leap of faith – Delicious Conversation; Volume 1

BY MEGAN ROBERTS

I remember waking up on a serene Sunday morning, where I am greeted by the harmonious sounds of The Grace Thrillers filling the air, alongside the rhythmic clanging of dishes in the kitchen. The scents that follow, a tantalizing concoction of garlic, onions, and thyme, fill my nostrils with an air of contentment.

However, the true star of the show is my father’s magnificently crafted fried dumplings, coupled with perfectly fried slices of plantain. I would be mesmerized as I watched my father’s hands seamlessly form the simple dough by adding water in small increments. He would masterfully break off pieces of the dough, moulding and rounding each one into the most symmetrical discs, completing each with a thumbprint in the middle.

Next, he would slice plantains horizontally, patiently pan-frying each piece to perfection. I could hardly wait until I could pick up a piece and not burn my fingers so I could enjoy the sweet, buttery taste of greatness. This cherished memory with my father in the kitchen marked the beginning of my love for food, which unknowingly set me on a path toward culinary excellence.

During my time at Centennial, I seized every opportunity to participate in off-campus events. My conscious effort was to work with Black chefs as much as possible, as it was important for me to connect with them and be aware of their invaluable contributions to the industry. The more I connected with chefs, the more I realized the importance of creating a platform where they could express their stories freely.

Although I loved food, I knew that working in kitchens for the rest of my life wasn’t for me. I was certain, however, that I wanted to speak with multiple Black chefs and give them the recognition they deserved for their hard work. I recorded a few podcast episodes after taking Food Media, but graduating amidst the height of the Covid pandemic plunged me into depression. I constantly questioned my choices and wondered if I was supposed to be in the culinary industry at all. But no matter how many times I tried to leave, something always drew me back to the kitchen, reaffirming my calling.

As a firm believer in the notion that everything happens for a reason, I attended a concert celebrating the life of Bob Marley in February, despite my desire to stay at home. There, I met Simone, and our beautiful conversation led me to confide in her about my aspirations of entering the media side of food. Without hesitation, she encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and I knew that our meeting was divinely orchestrated, marking the beginning of my journey into food journalism.

Being acknowledged and appreciated for whom you are and the magic you bring to the table is nothing short of phenomenal and inspiring. It revitalizes your confidence, reminding you of your worth. Simone, my culinary and food media teachers, helped reignite my passion for food, and it’s time for me to be proud of my accomplishments and stop second-guessing myself. It’s challenging to believe in your worth when you’ve spent much of your life being made to feel the opposite. But at some point, you have to learn to value your own opinion and make use of the resources at your disposal to carve your own path.

My love for food, travel, people, and learning has led me to find my sweet spot, and I am excited to embark on this new chapter in my life. My goal is to showcase the multifaceted world of culinary through the lens of a Black chef while being in a White, male-dominated industry. Culinary is an art, and for me, it’s the medium of my expression.

Welcome to Delicious Conversation