Meet Luke Clements | Chef

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

Hi Luke, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
One of the most pivotal decisions that contributed to my success was the choice of individuals I surround myself with. Early in my career, a mentor advised me, ‘You will only be as good as the people you allow around you.’ This guidance emphasized the importance of building a network of talented, motivated, and supportive individuals, which has been instrumental in my growth and achievements.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My passion for cooking began in my childhood as an army brat traveling through Europe with my family while my father was stationed in Germany. Experiences like enjoying fondue in Switzerland, pizza in Italy, and Schnitzel in Germany, along with cherished family moments around the dinner table, ignited a deep-seated joy in me for culinary arts.

The journey to where I am today has been long and fulfilling. I started by attending the culinary program at Northeast High School in Saint Petersburg, Florida, where I learned the basics and volunteered at events with the Ryan Wells Foundation. A scholarship from the Ryan wells foundation then allowed me to attend Johnson & Wales University in North Miami, which was conveniently close to home. Over the past 13 years, I’ve dedicated myself to refining my craft and expanding my skills.

The path has certainly had its challenges, but each one has been a stepping stone to growth. I’ve learned that continual improvement and a passion for the process are key to success. I’m deeply excited about my ongoing development as a leader and my commitment to perfecting my techniques.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is that my culinary creations are inspired by a lifetime of experiences and a genuine love for the art of cooking. My journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the joy of sharing great food.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were showing someone around the city, here’s how I’d plan a few key meals:

For breakfast, I’d take them to Bagel Cove in Aventura or Josh’s Deli on Surfside—both are excellent choices for starting the day with delicious, classic options.

For lunch, I’d recommend Three Palms Cuban Café. It’s a fantastic spot for authentic Cuban cuisine, and you really can’t go wrong there.

When it comes to dinner, there are many great options, but my go-tos would be Pubbelly for its creative small plates or Steve’s Pizza for a more relaxed, classic pizza experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a significant portion of my success as a chef to my mentor, Michael B. Jacobs. While I was a culinary student at Johnson & Wales University, he took me under his wing and shared invaluable insights. Though he would often jokingly say, ‘You should be paying me to teach you how to be a chef,’ his guidance was far from a mere jest. Over the years, he taught me not only the intricacies of culinary arts but also essential skills in starting a business, managing employee relations, and much more.

Instagram: Chef_Lukeclements