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The Dance Enthusiast Asks: Celebrity Chef Rod Brown

By A. Nia Austin-Edwards (ANAE)/Follow @KwanzaaKid on Twitter
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Published on November 10, 2014

As He Prepares for The Dance Enthusiast's Dance & Fashion Event

Celebrity Chef Rod Brown has shared his culinary craft with a number of big names and corporations, including rapper Snoop Dogg. Get to know a little more about him, then join him at our Enthusiastic Event! where he will be sharing just a taste of his Amazing Caribbean Soul Food.

P.S. In just a few days, The Dance Enthusiast will host its stylish Enthusiastic Event! celebrating Dance and Fashion. Please Join us on  Wednesday, November 12th from 6:15pm-8:30pm at the new Gibney Dance Center at 280 Broadway (entrance at 53A Chambers Street) for food, drink, dance, fashion, conversation  and fun, for more information and to get tickets got to our Enthusiastic Event Page.

A. Nia Austin-Edwards of The Dance Enthusiast: When and where does your culinary story begin? Have you always known you would be a chef?

Chef Rod Brown: My culinary journey began when I was about 11 years old. My mom was a single mom then. I began cooking for my sister and me so she wouldn't have to after she got home from work. I didn't always know I was going to be a Chef. I was in the military for six years then attended Rutgers, [graduating] with a major in Communications. I’ve worked as an actor, model, and even in luxury retail sales. Cooking was the passion that increased and overrided everything else.

TDE: What has been your biggest culinary challenge?

RB: My biggest culinary challenge has been staying relevant with trends while staying true to my foundation, quality, and level of excellence.

TDE: Can you share a moment where you were most proud of your style or look - in food, clothes, or both?

RB: One of my proudest moments was when I was requested by rapper Snoop Dogg to cater his radio promo tour in NYC. Out of all the Celebrity Chefs, he wanted my Amazing Caribbean Soul Food!

TDE: What is your chef's look? Do you have anything special that you prefer to wear when cooking?

RB: My look is a black chef coat and nice graphic tee, true religion jeans, and high top Gucci or Louis Vuitton sneakers. I like to go for style and comfort.

TDE: What do you do when you're not cooking?

RB: I love to travel. I also judge cooking competitions and do menu consulting. I support urban outreach by feeding and providing clothes for the less fortunate. I love to give back.

TDE: If you had to describe your culinary style in only 5 words . . .

RB: Cultured, Soulful, Fusion, Comfort, Amazing!

TDE: What’s up next for you after TDE's Enthusiastic Event!?

RB: After this event, I have quite a few holiday parties in the Tri-State area with a few record labels, major corporations and New York-based celebrities.