Gumbo to Grill, Award Winning Restaurateur Chef D Cooks in Business

365 Brothers - Listening to Black Men

Chef Donald J. Smith was born and raised in New Orleans, the heart and soul of Creole and Cajun culture. It was there that he learned the ins and outs of authentic Creole Cuisine at the feet of his mother and uncle. Known in culinary circles as “Chef D,” the chef specializes in Creole, Cajun, and soul food. Chef D has owned several restaurants. His portfolio boasts preparing meals for various entities, including conventions, corporations, celebs like Barry Bonds, The O’ Jays, The Clark Sisters and Miguel. He also cooks to feed those who are in need.

Through his company, Chef D Services, not only does he mix his own spices, for his spice line Yes Chef Gourmet Spices and Foods, but he has also written cookbooks, Donald Lukie Smith New Orleans Underground Chef (2020) and most recently, The Underground Chefs, for which he was the visionary author.

Chef Donald now has 20-plus years of experience in culinary cuisine preparation under his belt and has received many awards, including “Gumbo” competitions, and accolades. In 2018, he was voted one of Louisiana’s best chefs, and in 2020, he received the Culinary Excellence Award from the National Black Chef Association. Last summer, Chef D was also named Culinary Ambassador for Louisiana for the National Black Chef Association.

Outside of the kitchen, the chef is very active in his community including involvement in the Salvation Army, American Culinary Federation, the Association of African American Chefs, Jugs Social Club Krewe of NOMTOC, the National Black Chef Association, 100 Black Men, and Glad Tiding Men of Distinction . Chef Donald is the founder and president of Urban Chef Alliance, Founder of Cooking for Life 5013c. He also speaks openly about his experience with therapy and mental health, understanding this is a subject many Black men still shy away from for fear of being criticized.

Follow Chef D on Instagram @chefdservices.

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About this podcast: In each episode, a Brother reflects on his life; explores the experience of being a Black man in America; shares his interactions with law enforcement; and answers the signature question "If America was a woman, what would you say to her? You won't find a collection of conversations with Black men like this anywhere else. Hear their wisdom. Be inspired.

Host, Rahbin Shyne, is an author, educator, creative and avid half-marathon walker. https://www.linkedin.com/in/365brothers/

Special thanks to our earliest and consistent supporters, Sonji Walker, Abigail Gonzalez, William C. Hamilton, Jr. and Shedrick Sanders!!