Check Out Brandon Gouveia’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Gouveia.

Brandon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Hello Hello! I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. I discovered my love for cooking very young. On weekends my grandmother would cater for baby showers, weddings, and numerous events/parties and I would be her sous chef haha. Growing up, I gained experience preparing mostly savory Caribbean dishes and I credit my family and West Indian roots for my ability to keep bold flavors throughout all dishes that I prepare.

In 2016, I graduated from the International Culinary Center in New York City. Since then, I’ve worked in both professional and personal settings. After an internship with French Restaurant, L’Ecole, I began working at Jean-Georges Manhattan restaurant Mercer Kitchen as a line cook. I’m definitely grateful for my experience working in a high-quality, fast-paced kitchen environment as it helped me develop the discipline and precision necessary to be a successful chef. Shortly after, I worked in corporate dining for GAP Inc., focusing on preparing entrees and specialty dishes, and curating menus for clients and high-profile meetings. Until Covid happened and I decided to move to LA during the height of the pandemic… Crazy right! which was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Moving to Los Angeles almost didn’t happen because of fear. I was in my head a lot overthinking, but I knew it had to happen In 2020, when I moved to Los Angeles to seek more opportunities. My vision was clear when moving but nothing was set and stone. I didn’t have a job prior to moving from New York, which scared me the most or really knew what I was going to do to make money, but I had faith and I was confident enough to bet on myself when transitioning to the West Coast. It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road, some struggles along the way would be continuously creating and finding things to keep me inspired in this journey of mine, also making sure I was connecting with the right people in a new city and space.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Chef , Recipe developer, Food Stylist, and Content Creator! I’d say I wear many hats when it comes to food. Over the past two years, I’ve had some amazing opportunities since relocating to LA – from a private Celebrity chef for The Smith’s to Recipe Developer and Food Stylist for First media award-winning digital media and performance marketing company So Yummy, and currently I’m a Marketing Content Development Chef at The Best-Selling Bluetooth Meat Thermometer brand; Meater.

I am most proud of my ability to multitask – to not only cook delicious meals but also recording and editing my own content and landing partnerships with amazing brands like Wusthof, Ourplace, Buzzfeed’s Cocoa Butter, fast food chain Jack-in-the box, being on a (Black owned show – on Facebook Watch, and getting recognized as one of Food Network’s favorite Black-owned Businesses Food Network stars love.

What sets me apart from others is my online presence. I get so many compliments from people on how I make cooking look fun and easy and it makes them want to get in the kitchen and they love my energy on camera – that always puts a smile on my face. I am always happy to hear those types of compliments.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I really really enjoy the weather and casually seeing mountains, sometimes I still feel like I am on a vacation; But I actually live here which is still wild to me at times lol.

I am a Chef but I do enjoy going out from time to time for a nice meal. I would say I dislike the lack of great food spots/ restaurants. The vibe and aesthetic is always there, not always the taste of the food.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandongouveia/

Image Credits
Image credits Juan Veloz