Multi-talented, award-winning executive chef and owner of Pretty & Delicious Chef Huda is one fierce competitor! As the largest personal prize winning contestant on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen, it was only right that she pay us a visit down at the ESSENCE Festival. Lucky for us we had the pleasure of chatting with her after an exciting food demonstration, where she cooked a local favorite, jambalaya, to a enthusiastic crowd. Here are three things we learned:
Importance of Healthy Cooking: “After dealing with some emotional eating battles, my personal goal is the change lives and food is one of the easiest ways to connect to people. When I first tried to cook, at age six, it was cereal and baked fish; luckily my mother awoke from nap before I could do anything disastrous. Let’s just say I have improved and made it my mission to educate all of those who desire to learn.”
Love of New Orleans Culture: “Every time you order a indigenous New Orleans dish you taste a piece of history. The authenticity of the culture is present in not only food but the arts, language sound and the land.”
Favorite New Orleans Food: “Po’ Boys, gumbo, shrimp étouffée and, of course, beignets!”