Today we’d like to introduce you to Kess Eshun.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kess. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a pastry chef with a passion for culinary arts. I started cooking when I was a young girl and can honestly say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute in the kitchen. I strive to surprise through my creations and to share what I have felt and learned through my culinary journey.
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I think about is food and the delectable meals I’ll be creating. In the evening, as I drift off to sleep, I think about new recipe ideas instead of counting sheep. Despite my love for cooking, at first, I didn’t think it was a viable career choice. So, I obtained a degree in computer science followed by an EMBA. But all of life’s paths have led me right back to my passion for cooking, so I decided to follow my dream and I enrolled in culinary school.
The business skills and cooking skills I have learned have resulted in the creation of Jenesis Cafe, Kess Kravings App, Kess Kravings Pop-Up – “Savor Kravings”, Kravings Spices and a cookbook which is coming soon.
My mission is to rewrite and share a new story of cuisine which has its roots in Africa and contribute to establishing African cuisine as a fine dining choice.
I believe that cooking not only warms the soul, it also nurtures one’s desire to spread love through good food. My promise to my customers is delicious, inspired dishes that play tricks on your palate in the nicest possible way.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The challenges with my concept are the difficulty in getting Africans to accept the modern way I play with traditional African dishes and plating. It has not been easy promoting my concept in the African community. However, since I set my goals from day one to also market to the well-traveled, foodies and people who are open to trying new things, I am gaining momentum and expect more Africans to eventually accept the “Modern African Cuisine” that I’m creating.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My specialty is Afro Fusion Cuisine which could be described as a culinary bridge between African flavors and Western cuisine using French techniques. My mission is to transform African cuisine and show the world the continent’s rich flavors.
I usually take the street food or traditional dish and transform it into a modern dish but still maintaining all the components.
Having hosted many different events for non-Africans, I found that there was a market for African food and recipes, so I created this pop-up restaurant filled with African-inspired dishes from various cuisines (American, French, and others) that feature fine dining called Savor Kravings.
Savor Kravings is something completely different that you probably have not come across before.
What sets me apart from others is, for me, it’s not just about the food. It’s about the art, my childhood memories, the place, the ingredients combined to make the entire experience far more exciting.
What were you like growing up?
My favorite memory from childhood is growing up in a large, boisterous, middle-class family in Ghana, West Africa. There was cooking practically around the clock. Imagine a home with hungry boys and their hungry friends coming and going, a businessman father who routinely had colleagues over for dinner, extended family members who were either visiting or living with us for various periods of time. To support this busy house, we had our house helps, drivers, security men who were also considered family and needing to be fed – get the picture? My mom, whom everyone called “Mama”, made a point to always have fresh home cooked meals readily available. Of course, she couldn’t accomplish this feat all on her own, that’s where I came in.
Even though I was the youngest and the only girl with older brothers, Mama was emphatic about not raising a lazy and entitled daughter. I never thought it was a chore to have to help cook for all of us nor did I think it was unfair to spend so much time in the kitchen (as a matter of fact, all my brothers were all taught how to cook and keep the house as well). I actually enjoyed the time I spent with Mama learning how to prepare and serve our traditional African meals.
These were the times that brought us closer together, the times I learned more about her, and it was also when she imparted life lessons to me all while cleaning, chopping, pounding, blending and cooking ingredients that would be transformed into deliciously crafted dishes. The sounds, tastes, and aroma of the breakfast, lunch, dinner wafting up and out of the kitchen to settle in every corner of our home always comforted me and brought me joy.
Pricing:
- Wedding cake starts from $1000
- Private cooking classes $250
- Pop up restaurant $125+ per person
Contact Info:
- Address: 555 Republic Dr
Plano, TX 75074 - Website: www.kesskravings.com
- Phone: 2144942410
- Email: kess@kesskravings.com
- Instagram: @kesskravings @ Savorkravings @kesskravingsspice @chef.kess @kesskravingsaPatisserie
- Facebook: @kesskravings @kesskravingsaPatisserie
- Twitter: @kesskravings @ Savorkravings @kesskravingsaPatisserie
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
