Meet Ricky Simpson | Chef/Consultant

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

Hi Ricky, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
I find great joy in the positive influence of sharing knowledge and wisdom with those around me. It seems that being selfless in our current society can indeed contribute to a brighter future for the generations to come.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The one major thing that sets me apart from others is my passion for not fitting in. In this world of cookie cutter ideas I have carved my own lane of originality. Has it been easy… absolutely not. But that’s what makes it great, the challenge of overcoming what might look impossible. With faith and determination I’ve see my way through a few challenges. Along the way there have been rules created from the challenges faced. One: Don’t be afraid to recreate or start over. Two: You will learn by teaching, but in order to teach, you must be a student first. Three: Anything is possible.

Ricky The Chef “The Kitchen Renegade” is on a lifelong mission to show love through Culinary Arts! On and off the plates! The next level of level is Design. Stay tuned!

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 had to chose a couple of places to hang out and grab some good food and catch some vibes….

First if Im going to hit the city I’m going to pull up to the best barber in the area, Charlie Knova!!!

We’d pull up to Krave this Korean spot I found while shopping for some client catering. Get the Kimchi Fried Rice, Bulgogi Philly and the Mandu.

Next we’re going to Cooks and Soldiers and ordering as many Bikinis as we can handle. I know what you’re thinking, but let me explain. The Bikini is this sandwich cut into 4’s made of white cheddar, jamon, and black truffles. I can put money on it that one isn’t enough.

To burn it all off, a few rounds of top golf for the win! If golf isn’t your thing we can grab a scooter and hit the belt line and finish up a Ponce City market.

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 want to first thank GOD for Gibbons me the gifts that I have, that have opened doors for me and placed me in the rooms I’ve been in.

I also want to recognize a few people Chef Jerome Brown, Chef Sondrà Rhodes, Chef Roberts Gladstone, Chef Tiffany Derry, Chef James Yoma, Chef Julius Russell, Chef Maurice Wells, Chef William Silas, Chef Tim Sanders, Chef James Sanders, Chef Bill Jones, and Chef Reggie Thomas. I know the list is long but I must say that these amazing Chefs have all played an important part in my career. Whether it be intriguing conversation, time spent in the kitchen, encouragement, or just comradery they have all been a part of that one way or another.

Instagram: RickyTheChef

Youtube: TheKitchenRenegade