While growing up in some rough Memphis, TN neighborhoods, Chef Kimmie was provided plenty of opportunities for developing her thick skin and ability to shake off criticism.
“Living in Memphis, you have to be strong and make sure you can hold your own. It’s a town where you have to make sure you are tough and nice at the same time!”
Although she began to take cooking seriously as an O’Charley’s cook at the age of 15, Chef Kimmie developed her flair for Southern cooking her entire life. In addition to 5 months of culinary instruction at the The Art Institute in NYC, Kimmie’s mostly self-taught talent has long earned high praise from those fortunate enough to try her cuisine at Crepe Maker in Collierville, TN.
In 2010, Chef Kimmie began working as a live-in chef for legendary Memphis rapper Lil Wyte of Hypnotized Minds fame, touring with his Wyte Music Records label as well. It was during this time Kimmie would receive attention from Fox’s hit reality TV program Hell’s Kitchen starring the fiery Gordon Ramsay.
The same weekend Chef Kimmie was filling out a lengthy questionnaire from Hell’s Kitchen, she struck up a friendship and received advice with another reality television notable, Atlanta rapper $hamrock, the 2007 winner of Vh1’s White Rapper Show in Memphis recording with Wyte Music Records.
After submitting her replies and passing a series of interviews, Chef Kimmie finally received the call to fly out to LA and begin filming the 10th season of Hell’s Kitchen, one of her favorite shows and one she followed every season. Filming began in May 2011 and ended July 2011. However, it wouldn’t air until June 2012, creating almost an entire year of anticipation.
Now that Season 10 has begun airing across the nation, Chef Kimmie has been getting rave reviews from around the world as viewers have watched her learn how to make 5-star food, butcher down an entire cow- not to mention get along with strangers.
Noted for her unflinching honesty and willingness to stick up for herself, Kimmie acknowledges the show as an accurate portrayal of her personality and an experience that helped her to mature and change her life around.
As for the show’s critical host Chef Ramsay, Chef Kimmie gleaned some incredible wisdom and expertise from the foul-mouthed food expert:
“I will always remember when Chef Ramsay showed me how to slice meat correctly or taught me how to plate the food in 5-star fashion. And I will never forget when he told me ‘you have the passion and drive, you just need more knowledge!’”
As for her next step after Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Kimmie has her sights set on the Lil Bitz catering company she will be starting with her husband Robert in addition to future travels and learning new cuisine.
It’s evident that the sky is the limit for Chef Kimmie and her Southern charm in the kitchen. Follow her latest activities on Twitter @Chef_Kimmie_HK and watch her rise to culinary greatness!
Chef Robert
