In this fourth episode of our third season we had the pleasure of speaking with Chef Rhonda Russell! Chef Rhonda is the only African American woman to hold the title of Executive Chef of Wine Arts, in the US. In our conversation we talked about: How growing up in Lake Charles, Louisiana has influenced her wines Working to teach kids about healthy eating habits Tasting Blinfolded! Picking Mayhaw’s Lodi, CA So much more! Chef Rhonda’s Bio Chef Rhonda Russell is an Executive Chef of Wine Arts, Winemaker and owner of Taste Collection Cellars. As the only African American woman to carry this title in the U.S. she works tirelessly to not only teach, educate and demystify food and wine lovers on unique flavor pairings and combinations she is also passionate about educating children on the love of good food. Chef Rhonda volunteers monthly to teach fourth graders in Houston, Texas how to cook their own food using fresh, healthy and local ingredients. She also just launched the Taste the World subscription box – a subscription box for worldly wine lovers where she can share her extensive wine and food knowledge with the public. Born and raised in the deep food culture of Louisiana, it didn’t take long for Chef Rhonda to discover her passion for food. Many of her best childhood memories revolve around food and days spent absorbing every bit of knowledge from her grandmother’s kitchen and dishes, lots of dishes. With her passion for food ignited, Rhonda pursued formal training at the Culinary Business Academy in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, earning the title of a Certified Personal Chef. Rhonda then began a career as a personal Chef in her city of Houston, Texas, with a focus on Creole and Cajun cooking. Shortly thereafter, she began training at the International Wine Guild, completing her studies in Old World and New World wine regions and earning the title, Executive Chef of Wine Arts and Winemaker. With her advanced knowledge of food and wine, Chef Rhonda enjoys finding ways to bring out the superb taste in a wide array of food through colorful food combinations and inspired wine pairings. Her keen sense of taste brought her to create her own wine collection, Taste Collection Cellars. Chef Rhonda’s passion is to educate and demystify both wine and the food that first sparked her imagination, Creole and Cajun cooking. Chef Rhonda is a member of the world renowned United States Personal Chefs Association, James Beard Foundation, The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and the International Wine Guild as a Certified Sommelier. She also appeared, as a contestant on Food Network’s “Cooks vs Cons” in 2016 on Season 2. The Last Five Sips: If money were no object, what bottle of wine would you splurge on and why? Any wine produced from Chateau Lafite-Rothschild Who would you love to share a bottle with, living or deceased? Edna Lewis and Leah Chase What are some of the things you do or read to keep up to speed on what is happening in the wine industry? Oxford Companion to Wine and Wine Atlas What advice would you give you your 22 year old self? Walk in your Purpose When you finish your day and sit down with your favorite glass of wine, what is on your music playlist? Lindsey Webster and Damien Escobar How you can connect with Chef Rhonda online and on Social Media: Online: www.tastebychefrhonda.com Facebook: @tastebychefrhonda Instagram: @taste_by_chef_rhonda Instagram: @tastecollectioncellars Twitter: @tastebychef Resource Links: https://www.southernliving.com/fruits/berries/what-is-a-mayhaw https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Companion-Wine-Companions/dp/0198705387/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519146554&sr=8-1&keywords=oxford+companion+to+wine https://www.amazon.com/World-Atlas-Wine-7th/dp/1845336895/ref=la_B000APTSNU_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1519146626&sr=1-1 https://ednalewisfoundation.org http://www.dookychaserestaurant.com/about/chef http://www.lindseywebstermusic.com/ http://dameesco.com/
