Young St. Louis chef aims to bring flare, finesse to Dallas food competition | St. Louis News Headlines

NS. LOUIS (KMOV.com) – A Parkway North graduate may be the youngest chef in his kitchen, but his talents earned him bragging rights in the local culinary community – and soon in the Lone Star State.

Juwan Rice traced his culinary roots back to the age of 6 and was by his grandmother’s side in and out of the kitchen. The 20-year-old was her sous-chef and remembered helping her make a hearty Thanksgiving meal as one of his first creations.

“My family is always gathered with food, which is like our cultural thing that we have. And that has become what it is today, ”said Rice, indicating his current company. At 14, the St. Louis native ran his own catering and private dining company, JR Gourmet. Rice designed business cards to hand out to prospects while they cranked the oven to cook at catering events.

After high school, he worked at Bait in the Central West End, where he started as a pastry chef but took on the role of senior sous chef. He cooked with food industry thought leaders, Ceaira Jackson and Ty Davis. His greatest insight from experience was to remain true to his expertise.

“Always stay in your own creativity, no matter what influence others have on you. People can’t interpret your creativity the way you can, ”Rice said.

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice garnishes his burger during the Show Me Series burger contest in August

Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice adds ingredients to his burger during the Show Me Series burger contest in August.

Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice, center, works with teammates Jorge Vasquez (left) and Deva Williamson (right) during the Show Me Series burger contest in August.

Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

In August, Juwan Rice’s team won the title of Gold Ticket Winner in the Show Me Series competition.

Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

The winning team (Deva Williamson, Juwan Rice, and Jorge Vasquez) all smile as they take their prize in the Show Me Series competition.

Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice’s winning burger was topped with a brioche-coated chimichurri aioli and paired with double-cream gouda, pair of bacon-fried rice pairs, Wagyu beef, and a green microsalad.



Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice garnishes his burger during the Show Me Series burger contest in August



Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice adds ingredients to his burger during the Show Me Series burger contest in August.



Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice, center, works with teammates Jorge Vasquez (left) and Deva Williamson (right) during the Show Me Series burger contest in August.



Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

In August, Juwan Rice’s team won the title of Gold Ticket Winner in the Show Me Series competition.



Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

The winning team (Deva Williamson, Juwan Rice, and Jorge Vasquez) all smile as they take their prize in the Show Me Series competition.



Juwan rice competition

Juwan rice competition

Juwan Rice’s winning burger was topped with a brioche-coated chimichurri aioli and paired with double-cream gouda, pair of bacon-fried rice pairs, Wagyu beef, and a green microsalad.

His creativity and craft soon began to attract attention. He received praise from local publications such as Feast and Sauce Magazines. He was even named one of the top 10 chefs the public should keep an eye on. In September 2021, he competed against eager young chefs at the Guy’s Grocery Games, where he finished second.

“It was an incredible opportunity. The connections I was able to make with the producer and the participants … we still have those relationships. I will actually be working with these candidates for the next few months, ”he said.

When asked about his ideal cooking style, Rice didn’t hesitate and replied with fusion cooking. Food fusion is the art of combining different culinary traditions from different cultures in one dish.

“I’m not really trying to stay in one area. Whether soul food or Asian cuisine, I like to mix them together. That makes my food unique, ”he said. “I like to take my time and slow things down to add extra finesse to certain things I do.”

And the finesse of JR Gourmet boils down to its presentation.

“I learned at a young age that people eat with their eyes first. So that’s the hook that draws people in, ”Rice continued. “One of my staples is to include local microgreens in everything I do. This is my little finesse. My little Salt Bae on top of the plate. “

The 20-year-old strives to use ingredients from local St. Louis retailers and businesses. In August, Rice took advantage of his supplier list while attending the Show Me Series and battling prominent local chefs. Despite feeling like an underdog, his local team’s burger brought home the win, securing a spot at the World Food Championships in Dallas, Texas.

“We were really the underdogs, but I had such a dynamic team that helped me. I had Deva Williamson, who was on the Food Network many times, and my mixologist Jorge [Vasquez] who has Latin roots. Its flavors are incredible. “

Despite feeling like an underdog, his local team’s burger brought home the win, securing a spot at the World Food Championships in Dalla, Texas.

His winning burger was topped with a brioche bun coated with chimichurri aioli and paired with double cream gouda, fried rice paper with bacon, Wagyu beef and a microgreen coleslaw.

“Everything on this burger was local. The La Bonne Bouchée bun with cheese from a local wine and liquor store in Chesterfield, ”he describes his winning dish.

Now, Rice will travel to Dallas next Saturday to compete against multiple chefs to win $ 100,000 and other prizes. Although he was narrow-minded about what he will present to the jury, he made sure that he will showcase flavors and elements from the Gateway to the West. To support Rice’s trip to Dallas, donate here.

The event will be broadcast live on the Food Network and the Cooking Channel.

Copyright 2021 KMOV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved

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