Have you ever met someone who has such a warm smile, that just seeing their smile makes you smile, too? Well, if not - you need to meet Chef Gason. The only thing bigger than Gason's kind spirit is the taste of his incredible food. And that is without a doubt the truth. I've never tasted real New Orleans cuisine until I started learning to cook Creole with Chef Gason. Now, I can't stop. His recipes have become regulars in my own home kitchen.
The first time I talked with Gason, I couldn't believe how down to earth he was. With a resume as big as his, it could be intimidating. But Chef Gason is anything but. He is warm and kind, funny and big spirited. He's genuinely grateful to have the opportunity to share his passion for cooking and food. Just one conversation, and you can tell he is truly honoured to have accomplished his tens and tens of accolades. And he's achieved those things because of a deep rooted love for food. He wakes up planning his day around food, and goes to sleep dreaming about it. We'll just call each other now to toss around ideas of how we can share amazing New Orleans food far and wide.
Let me get to the point - this is a chef with some serious credibility. If anyone can share knowledge of New Orleans cuisine far and wide - it's Chef Gason. Gason is a two-time James Beard Scholar. Food Network contacted him to compete on the uber successful television series 'Chopped'. He's been featured across New Orleans magazines, newspapers, and morning shows.
He's been the private chef for celebrities like Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Matthew McConaughey, Swiss Beats, The Kardashians, Sinbad, Jairus Byrd, Paul Walker, Reggie Bush, and New Orleans Saints tight end, Ben Watson - and that's just a few. He's the go-to chef for major events in New Orleans and is hired for private dinners across the city.
When Chef Gason heard about The Chef & The Dish cooking classes, he was thrilled with the opportunity to teach home-cooks around the world. We were beyond thrilled that he accepted.
We asked Chef Gason a few things we want his future clients to know:
What’s one NOLA dish you couldn’t live without?
Might sound simple but the dish I can't live without is Seafood Gumbo. I love how all the flavors come together and it's always better the next day.
What’s your favourite cooking memory?
Watching my dad cook back in the day. How he always took his time and all the love and excitement he put into each dish and he always paid attention to detail. He was truly cool to watch cook.
From your perspective, what’s the importance of food culture in New Orleans?
How food is passed down from generation to generation. How it just gets better and better in flavor after each generation. The stories and how it all just comes together at the end of the day.
How would you describe your style of cooking?
My style of cooking is simplicity. I like the food to do the talking on the plate. I don't like to complicate the food.
What are you most looking forward to during your cooking classes with The Chef & The Dish?
Sharing my love and passion of food. Making someone smile and just sharing my gift of cooking. I'm excited to meet different people from all over the world.
He's travelled the world to cook for fans, and now for the first time, you have the opportunity to learn from one of the most celebrated chefs in New Orleans. His Jambalaya cooking class will have you whip up the best Jambalaya you've have in your life. Po' Boys? Done. Gumbo? Galore. Best of all, you'll make his recipe while being coached in your own home kitchen - all the while being cheered on through Skype by your newest and biggest fan from the Big Easy.
For the Love of Everything New Orleans,
Jenn Nicken
Founder
