We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brenda Backal. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brenda below.
Brenda, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
This are very tough questions but can tell you that no one is going to stop me from getting to where I want to be, I have fallen many times and many times I have stood up and kept going no matter what the situation is in front of me, as an example, I worked for the Los Angeles Rams for three years, not knowing anything about football or what they eat and how much, or how I was going to feed 150 people everyday by myself, I learn that I can’t do it alone, so I hire help, I created a routine that let me be who I’m. creating daily menus with different options, learning what each and every player, coach and member of the team needed was crucial for me to succeed. learning each and everyone meals everyone was different, so I created a cheat sheet and memorized it to the point to be on automatic everyday and have what they need it the second they ask for it. this was an absolute incredible experience and I learn not only the rules of football, but what involves bee part of that team.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Where do I begin, I want people to learn what is a personal chef, is not being a caterer, is more of a personal touch to a great culinary experience, I curate intimate, one-of-a-kind fine dining experiences in the comfort of your home that creates memories that last a lifetime.
When you hire me as your private chef, I will work with you to design a custom menu specifically tailored to your occasion, source local, organic food, and provide a table setting to ignite the atmosphere you envisioned.
All the cooking, serving, plating, clearing-it’s all taken care of–as you enjoy spending time with your guests.
After the meal’s done, you can linger with your loved ones a little longer-at night’s end, you’ll be left with a sparkling-clean kitchen and memories that will last a lifetime.
What’s best is that once I’m hired, I’m not just your private chef for the evening; I’ve now become your resource for all things epicurean-whether it be recommending a fine dining establishment or helping you source rare food.
At BB’s Kitchen we bring the restaurant quality experience you crave with personalized touches curated exclusively for you and your guests. From fine dining to pub fare, we offer an array of cuisines that include cultural recipes passed down through generations or our new, modern twists. BB’s Kitchen is here to take your next event to new culinary heights.
I became a Chef by accident. I have always loved to cook for others and have dinner parties where I can have people enjoying a dinner with out having to cook it themselves.
so I began making churros and funnel cakes for my husband’s friends and for company picnics and birthdays.
Soon, orders began pouring in for more and I realized that nothing brought me more joy than people enjoying my food.
From there and after watching so many cooking shows, my husband suggested why not do it professionally I decided i will go back to school and that’s how I got to Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, graduating with High honors and a associate degree in Patisserie Baking.
But I didn’t stopped there, the idea of baking was not what I had in mind but was what I could afford and because of certain allergies the savory part was not calling my name.
after a few months working as a Pastry Chef in different places I then extended my knowledge of culinary skills by training with different chefs from around the world, training as a Sous Chef and eventually moving up to the Executive Chef at various restaurants with Top Chefs. the road has not been easy nevertheless been a woman in those days was very challenging but Im resilient so I make it work to my advantage.
Everything I know I Learned it on my own and of course with the help of “youtube” university as I call it and many, many recipe books, have developed a repertoire with different menus, cuisines, and new inventions, when people ask me so what is your specialty is very hard to answer because yes My love for mexican food is immense, I enjoy many other styles and cuisines.
My career has put me alongside some of some of the best Chefs in the business! as well as working with the Los Angeles Rams. acquiring a food truck that was one of the biggest mistakes of my business life.
Today, I am a personal/private chef, where I bring the restaurant quality experience you crave with personalized touches curated exclusively for you and your guests. From fine dining to pub fare, where I offer an array of cuisines that include cultural recipes passed down through generations or our new, modern twists.
I’m also a pastry chef whereas of today I have developed a vegan gluten free line of pastries which include: Scones, cookies, cakes, Granola. I also sometimes get asked to teach some cooking classes to bring my love of the culinary arts to as many people as I can. where we learn how to make pasta from scratch, pizza, Mexican stews, Tamales, etc.the list is endless.
I also offer made to order shipments of my famous scones, cookies, tortillas,that have travel all the way to NYC, Dallas, NC, etc.
for the past few months I have been working in the process of bottling my Vegan, Gluten-free mole sauces and bring them to a store near you with two flavors: Mole Poblano and Mole Verde! this has been a dream of mine for a long time and Im finally getting there.
BB’s Kitchen is here to take your next event to new culinary heights.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I started at school to be a pastry chef but I didn’t found it a good choice for me and move to become a culinary chef and turn to youtube for some guidance as well as hundreds of books to get as much information as I can get and learn, slowly but surly I became an executive chef for a few High end restaurants to be the chef for the Los Angeles Rams, is has not been easy, who ever tells you it is is lying to you there is so many things I learned and still learning, if you really want to be a chef whether is privately or in a restaurant setting, really think whats the goal where do you want to end been a chef and start by getting fundamentals in cooking, not because you are a cook at home you can instantly become a chef I think the best school is the street, go and stage at a restaurant you want to work and really see whats all about. be ready for long hours and very little to non-rest.
people ask me if I recommend a culinary school, my answer is it didn’t work for me but it my work for you, I learn a lot by watching others do things I wanted to do and to fight for being where I’m now, Being a personal chef gives me the opportunity to have my own schedule, cook what I want and to be more in touch with clients.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal clients for my personal chef services would likely be individuals or families who value high-quality, personalized, and convenient dining experiences. Specifically, your services would be attractive to:
Busy Professionals: Individuals with demanding careers who lack the time to shop for groceries, plan meals, and cook regularly. Your services provide them with gourmet, healthy meals without the hassle.
Families: Families, especially those with both parents working, who desire nutritious and delicious meals for their children but find it challenging to balance work, family, and cooking.
Couples and Individuals with Dietary Restrictions: Clients with specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-sodium diets, who require customized meals tailored to their health requirements.
People Seeking Culinary Experiences: Food enthusiasts or individuals who appreciate fine dining experiences but prefer the intimacy and convenience of home. Your in-home dining services can offer them a restaurant-quality experience without leaving their comfort zone.
Seniors: Elderly individuals who may find it difficult to cook for themselves but still wish to enjoy nutritious and tasty meals. Your services provide them with independence and a variety of meals without the effort of cooking.
Special Occasions and Celebrations: Clients looking to host special events, intimate gatherings, or celebratory dinners at home. Your expertise in creating memorable dining experiences can enhance their events significantly.
Health-Conscious Individuals: People who prioritize health and well-being, appreciating your focus on high-quality, fresh ingredients and customized meal planning that aligns with their health goals.
Individuals Recovering from Surgery or Illness: Those recovering from surgery or dealing with health issues may require specific diets. Your tailored meal plans can aid in their recovery process.
Couples Celebrating Milestones: Couples celebrating anniversaries, birthdays, or other significant life events who desire a unique and romantic dining experience at home.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bbs-kitchen.com
- Instagram: Bbskitchn
- Facebook: Bbskitchn
- Linkedin: Bback4more
- Other: google @BB’s Kitchen
Image Credits
All images belong to me
