Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Fox.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Before becoming a chef, I was a touring musician. Playing drums for different acts, kiis fm radio concerts, recording, and music videos. As a drummer, you’re always supporting someone else. One day I decided to do something for myself.
I decided to audition for MasterChef! I have always been a fan Gordon Ramsay and his success. I decided I would give it a shot and email the show and see if I could get an audition, 20 minutes later the phone rang. In Hollywood, they say, “fast yes, slow no” man it was a fast yes! Long story short I made it on the show and made it all the way to the end. Finished runner up season 6. Since then, I have been hosting events, pop-ups, and traveling the world as a private chef.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think with any success comes struggle. As a private chef, it’s inconsistent at times, and a lot happens last minute, so it makes it very stressful. I also loved competing on tv and want to do that more, and LA is full of amazing talented chefs so every day is a competition. There is always someone right behind you gunning for your spot, but at the same time we all learn from each other and work together and look out for each other.
For me, as a traveling private chef is when I’m not working, wondering what the next gig is, where or who will I be cooking for.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Couple of layers to my business. First, I’m known for my artistic, upscale cuisine. I host pop-ups that have some sort of theme, multiple courses and limited seating. The last one I did was 8 seats 13 courses with a wine pairing! That’s the public side of what I do aside from catering an office party here and there.
For the private chef side of my business, I cook for a lot of high profile people and celebrities. I’ll get a call to make a special dinner for and anniversary or a birthday, or they call me because they are renting a house for a vacation and want to have a chef during their stay, so I’ll travel with the client, and take care of all their food needs.
And lastly but most importantly, I am a private chef full time for an LA Laker. This is an intense side of my business. I completely maintain his diet from top to bottom. Tracking every calorie, carb, the amount of protein, sugars, fats, and so on. Making sure he’s getting the right ratios and amounts to maximize his energy throughout his day on and off the court, as well as making that food delicious.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been a go getter. I played a lot of sports growing up and thrived to be the best at everything I did. I’ve never lost that, It hasn’t changed, I’ve just learned how to be more focused, more grounded, and more strategic about my game plan on life.
Pricing:
- Pop up dinners $75-$150
- Private Dinners $250-$350 pp
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chefderrickfox
- Facebook: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Personal photo by Susie Fiebich
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