Meet Luke Clements

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Luke Clements. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with luke below.

Luke, so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?

I avoid burnout by surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who inspire and support me. Being part of a community or team that shares similar goals and challenges helps me stay motivated and energized. We can exchange ideas, brainstorm solutions, and boost each other’s morale, which is invaluable in maintaining a positive mindset.

Additionally, I prioritize self-care by engaging in hobbies and activities that allow me to break away from the daily routine. Spending time outside with my wife and family is a great way to relax and reconnect. I also enjoy watching racing, which gives me a chance to unwind and focus on something I’m passionate about. Balancing work and personal interests like these helps me recharge and come back to my tasks with renewed focus and energy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a chef, a career that has roots deeply embedded in my childhood. Growing up as an army brat, I had the unique experience of living in places like New York and Germany. During our travels, my parents made it a point to expose us to different cultures, and for me, food became a gateway to exploring those cultures. As a family, we embraced the joy of trying new cuisines, which sparked my love for food at an early age.

When we moved back to the States, my afternoons were spent watching cooking shows with my mother, trying out recipes we thought sounded exciting. In the mornings, I would help my dad prepare breakfast for the family. As life became busier over time, one thing always remained constant: when food was being prepared, the world seemed to slow down. Family and friends would gather around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter for hours. It dawned on me that food was the glue that brought everyone together, and this connection became a pivotal realization for me.

Wanting to recreate these moments for others I pursued my passion for cooking by studying the fundamentals at Northeast Culinary Academy, where I met my first mentor, Chef Serata. He gave me the freedom to make mistakes in a supportive environment, which was invaluable. Unlike the intense pressure often found in kitchens, his calm guidance allowed me to grow without the fear of failure. He also introduced me to Johnson & Wales University, where I further honed my culinary skills.

Looking back, those early experiences were like a melting pot that shaped the chef I am today. This journey has not only allowed me to travel and work in various culinary settings, but it also led me to meet my amazing wife, who is also a chef, and some incredible friends along the way. Together, we continue to explore the world of food, pushing boundaries and creating memorable experiences for others.

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?

Looking back, I can pinpoint three key qualities that have been incredibly impactful in my journey as a chef:

Curiosity – Growing up in a diverse environment and being exposed to different cultures, I developed a deep curiosity for how food varies around the world. This curiosity has driven me to explore new ingredients, techniques, and traditions. I’ve learned that keeping an open mind allows me to evolve and adapt, which is crucial in an industry that’s constantly changing.

Advice for beginners: Stay curious! Don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they’re outside your comfort zone. Embrace the idea that there’s always something new to learn. The more you explore, the more you’ll develop your unique perspective and style.

Patience – The culinary world is demanding, and early in my career, I had to learn how to stay calm and composed under pressure. Mistakes are inevitable, but it’s important to learn from them rather than get discouraged. Resilience in the face of challenges has been key to my growth.

Advice for beginners: Don’t be discouraged by setbacks. It’s important to stay patient with yourself as you learn and grow. The kitchen can be stressful, but it’s also an environment where resilience can truly shine. Embrace challenges as opportunities to improve.

Collaboration and Mentorship – My journey was greatly influenced by the mentors I’ve had along the way, especially people like Chef Curtis Serata and Chef Michael Jacobs. They both taught me not only technical skills but also the importance of a supportive environment in which you can make mistakes and learn from them. Working alongside others, sharing knowledge, and seeking guidance has been crucial to my success.

Advice for beginners: Seek out mentors and learn from others in the field. Collaboration is just as important as skill development. Building relationships with peers and experienced professionals can accelerate your growth, so always be open to learning from others.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

This past year has truly been an eye-opener for me. Early in my career, I was singularly focused on work everything else seemed secondary. I was driven by the desire to grow as fast as possible, often overlooking the importance of time spent with loved ones or taking breaks. I didn’t fully realize what I was missing out on holidays, family time, and moments with friends.

This past year, I faced the painful loss of some family members, including my mother, which served as a major wake-up call. I had always believed that my career was the most important thing, and in my mind, I justified missing out on personal time by thinking that my family would understand because I was so focused on working hard. But as time passed, I realized how much I had missed, and how important it is to create space for those meaningful moments with the people who matter most.

I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished in my career, but I’ve learned that balance is key. In the past year, I’ve made a conscious effort to step back from the daily grind and prioritize time for myself and for others. Whether it’s taking holidays, being present with my family, or spending time with friends, I’m working on finding harmony between my passion for cooking and the life outside of work that makes it all worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Chef_Lukeclements