Today we’d like to introduce you to JacQues Jean-Kaalstad.
Hi JacQues, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“It all started with my mother” is a common saying you hear “and the love she put into her food.” The four of us could eat the whole fridge; cooking for my siblings and me. Oftentimes, she needed assistance. She reluctantly said yes to a seven-year-old me, one day after my incessant nagging to help. Working a 9-5 and coming home to cook for her family, looked to me as if she needed a hand! Even if it was my small ones. She opened up a new world to me that connected to others in a way I had not seen before. The smiles I brought to their faces from my cooking. The laughter and full satisfaction that follows. Brought me much joy & satisfaction of my own!
We built a strong connection through food, showing me the many things she learned over decades from her mother’s cooking. After finding where the secrets were, I started researching my grandmother’s recipes. You would find me every holiday learning her tricks and observing her ways!
Especially Thanksgiving, from then on every year, I’d ask to help her cook! So I’d get up at the crack of dawn with her to start the turkey basting. Delegating scrumptious sides, peeling this, toasting or roasting that, then blending spices and overall, adding love into what we created for our family and friends.
Paying close attention to timing and procedures… Watching each demonstration, each flick of her hand… Seeing her orchestrating the service flow in her mind… to the family table.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, the city of black sheep talent. I moved to Orlando at a young age (18) looking for a dream and adventures. This escapade led me to overturn many implemented ideas & the culinary caliber I held myself to.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Everyone’s struggles are a perspective of their own. My hardships consisted of long hours, working my way through a new town. While going to culinary school. I think the greatest struggle was waking up for a class at 6 am after a 14-hour shift the previous day. But you keep trucking, keep learning, and continue to grow. Struggles are hidden lessons!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
After achieving grandma skills status, I started honing my craft through culinary school shortly after I moved to Orlando. Then began applying that knowledge in the many businesses in the industry. Achieving one of my many goals, to work in some of the most renowned restaurants & hotels Orlando has to offer. (Normans Orlando, Gaylord Palms FL, an FL private members club, and many more). I’ve accumulated 10+ years of professional chef experience bringing it to your home or next event!
As a personal chef! I took my years of working in the industry’s various positions and my grit and apply it to the fine dining experience I fell in love with working through my career and bring that to people’s homes or venues to wow them with flavor combinations they may have never tried before.
The artistry, care, and knowledge to be obtained pass your normal kitchen skills. Scientists are literally in the kitchen. Bringing that to you! That’s the inGenious Experience! A clever standard of brilliance and elegance… Excellence that exceeds your expectations… Bringing those same standards to your next event! Elevating the way you dine!
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Cooking with my grandmother while honing my craft in music! There’s a specific dedication you must-have for any craft you do! I believe in working alongside some powerful women in my life, which helped mold the man I am today. A Passionate Chef!
Pricing:
- Chefs Table Starting @ $100
- Catering Starting @ $75
Contact Info:
- Email: Nutritionalproductions@gmail.com
- Website: Ingeniouselegance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingenious.elegance.cuisines/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ingeniouselegancecuisines/?ref=bookmarks
