Meet Carlos Thomas: Chef – SHOUTOUT MIAMI

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Thomas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Being a single father, I think the most important thing I’ve done to impact my children is to maintain perserverance.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a chef and chefs don’t just work in the kitchen! As I grow in my craft, I am learning that many people don’t recognize that at all. The culinary industry is so vast that you could land almost anywhere, including making a lane of your own. The only way I got to where I am today was to keep speaking what I wanted (there is a lot of power in our words) and moving with faith that my desires would manifest. It wasn’t always easy because life happens and we get distracted, sometime longer then we intend to. After realizing that I could naturally do anything I put my mind to, noticing the God in me, I saw that my only fears were my struggles. Overcoming my challenges was always about overcoming self. My work tells that story, and with that, people believe in me – and by extension, my brand.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s a tough question I guess I’d have to take them to Ross Park Mall to get an outfit for Kennywood. We’d definitely grab something to eat at Casa Brasil, then be on our way – maybe later on, head to Grandview Ave in Mt. Washington or one of the other great overlooks in Pittsburgh. By the end of the night, we’d stop past Savoy for a few drinks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely the entire black food scene in Pittsburgh. My children most certainly. Huge thank you to Chef Jasmine Smith. All my friends I met in Brooklyn during the concept shooting of Rock Bottom the Show (go check that out!). FredFu and the Family – cause well, they family. Ray Carrington Photography is one of the best shooters in Pittsburgh!