Meet Carmen Naputi Davis of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Naputi Davis

Hi Carmen Naputi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Chef Carmen Naputi Davis and I am reaching out on behalf of Island Smoke N Grill, a woman-owned Pacific Islander indigenous business that celebrates food through culture. We are excited to share that we have been featured on Guams biggest news station for “Making Waves in California”, KCLA News and have previously partnered with Albertsons & Vons to bring Guam recipes to a wider audience here in Southern California.

At Island Smoke N Grill, we take pride in our collaborations with renowned personalities such as celebrity Chef Pyet, the winner of season one of Gordon Ramsay’s Next Level Chef. Our Chef Carmen specializes in crafting exquisite dishes using grass-fed meats, slowly smoked to perfection in our smoker Rita. We are a sustainable business, emphasizing the use of eco-friendly products.’

We offer a unique culinary experience that showcases the exotic flavors of Guam and we are eager to extend our hospitality to Southern California. Whether it’s a private event or on-location catering, Island Smoke N Grill promises to deliver an unforgettable dining experience that will leave your guests with lasting memories.

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?
We’ve had our struggles with culturally, adjusting to Los Angeles, and not forgetting our roots by continuing to celebrate our traditions and recipes and share that connection with the community of Los Angeles through food, taking people on a international experience feeling the taste of Guam 🌺🇬🇺❤️

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Originally, I am a pastry chef of over 27 years and I’ve been in the industry since I was 16 years old teaching the first kids cooking class and Guam 🌺🇬🇺❤️ at the Hilton Guam resort from there I continued pastries at a professional level serving Elton John and Céline Dion at Caesar’s Palace also working under the 808 restaurant. After longing and missing home for so many years, I relocated back to Guam 🌺🇬🇺❤️ to work in various upscale, high-end dining restaurants to include assistant pastry chef at the Hyatt Regency, Guam , Roy’s. Three squares as well as a meskla guam .

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Like I always tell the young and up-and-coming, you gotta open your mouth and ask because you’ll never get anywhere without asking and projecting your voice whether it’s representing where you come from your family or the taste of your region you have to ask and you have to put your voice out there otherwise you will never know and to live like that it’s not fun

Pricing:

• $22
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• $23

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Island Smoke N Grill
• Facebook: Island Smoke N Grill

Image Credits
Whisper Dela Cruz