Chef Charlie Mitchell has made culinary history by becoming the first Black chef in New York City to earn a Michelin star, a prestigious honor reserved for the world’s most talented and innovative chefs.
Mitchell, executive chef and co-owner of Clover Hill, was awarded the 2022 MICHELIN Guide New York Young Chef Awarded in October 2022.
The achievement of earning a Michelin star is not just a personal milestone, but a victory for representation and diversity in the culinary industry. He is the second Black person in the nation to receive the honor.
In an Interview with TODAY last year, Mitchell spoke of the goal of receiving the star saying, “You just assume that someone has already done this, you know, it doesn’t cross your mind that you may be the first or second to do really anything, especially here in New York City.”
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The 30-year-old Detroit native owes his inspiration and love for cooking to his grandmother.
“My initial inspiration for cooking came from my grandmother. She showed me how special cooking can be and how easily a good meal can change someone’s day. The time and effort she put into cooking for family and friends has always been impressive,” he said.
He continued, “Once I started in professional kitchens, I fell in love with the craft and it became my main source of motivation. Taking on the challenge of treating ingredients properly and learning more and more techniques keeps cooking fun for me. I believe if you take that approach guests will love everything you do, which is the ultimate payoff.”
Mitchell hopes to inspire other people of color, especially those in the culinary industry, to chase their dreams.
“I think a lot of times, we’re chasing a very different American dream, then to kind of put up with these aggressive environments that are often led by people who don’t look like us,” he said.
Watch the full TODAY interview below:
Congratulations!
