Kendall College Culinary Arts graduate and aspiring Chef Elisha Southern

The Beginning

Elisha’s passion for food began at a very young age. Her favorite room in the house was in the kitchen where she watched her mother and grandmother prepare authentic Caribbean dishes they learned while living on the dual-island of Trinidad and Tobago. Dishes such as Johnny Cakes, Curry chicken and potatoes with buss up shuts, Pelau and Callaloo were part of the regular meal rotation in the Southern household. Of course, mom and grandma allowed a young Elisha to help prepare the food and do some of the cooking. Those skills came in handy when Elisha lived off campus while attending Kishwaukee College in Malta, Illinois. The joy Elisha felt being able to cook for herself and her roommates reignited her love and passion for cooking.

In Spring 2019, Elisha continued her professional journey and enrolled in culinary school. She used the experience to sharpen her skills, experiment with new recipes, expand her knowledge of food and learn what it takes to become a Chef. Elisha graduated from Kendall College, Chicago’s #1 culinary school and hospitality management program. Just before graduation Elisha interned at Disney Hollywood Studios working as a line cook at one of their fast paced restaurants 50s Prime Time Cafe to complete the culinary program and receive her Associates Degree of Applied Science in Culinary Arts.