From the early age I realized that I had a passion for cooking – Chef obadimeji
U-rock media would like to celebrate your achievement, would you mind sharing your success story and also your Challenges
My name is Chef David Obadimeji born and raised in Lagos Nigeria. I came to the United States in 2010, and shortly after my arrival I started working for the Marriott Hotel as a lead cook, and quickly worked my way up by learning the different techniques and by following the executive chef leadership. From the early age I realized that I had a passion for cooking. I had the opportunity to learn and work alongside my grandparent on our family catering business. My inspiration came from the love I have for food, I have more than 10 years’ worth of experience in the culinary field that focuses on healthy cuisines. My commitment to my clients and business is to focus on learning and studying the relationship between food, health and nutrition
Tell us how you do acquire your culinary skill, was it from an institution or was it family tradition
No, the basics of my culinary were taught by my grandparents. My late grandfather was a submarine engineer after 2ndworld war, he migrated to London. He worked in a hotel as a dishwasher, and worked his way up. He came back to Nigeria after ten years and taught his wife everything he learnt. I remember the story exactly the way my grandma used to tell us while we were growing up. So I guess my choice to follow my grandpa’s footsteps was right.
Would you say you’re culinary skilled as a child was influenced by a Traditional chef?
(Laughs) yes, I would give my culinary knowledge to the foundation my grandpa placed.
Can you tell me more about your childhood? Your educational background, your friends, neighborhood, and relationships
I was born in Lagos Island, dangerous zone only God’s protection kept one in that jungle where each and every one you grew up with has to fight themselves with cutlers and bottles, stab one another to dead. I didn’t let it define who I want to be in Life. And regarding my educational background, I graduated from Lafiaji High School, and then attended University of Lagos known as Unilag where I studied Computer Information Technology and I graduated in 2010. I am married to my beautiful wife by name Berta Martinez and we have a son Joshua-David Obadimeji Jr, and with that being said my private chef company’s name is a combination of my name and my son’s name Jovids Fine Cuisine, the dream is to come back to Nigeria and open my own Restaurant in the next five years or less.
So during your high school days, you must have been among the Scholars in your school, since you didn’t move with the environment you found yourself?
Yes I was actually, but I moved around a lot barely stayed on one spot for more than 2-3years
So you moved about, can you explain that?
I moved a lot as a result of my parent’s separation
Oh….that must have had a big role to play in your life while growing up…
Indeed the separation played a huge role in my life and also my younger sister
Would you mind sharing those challenges you faced from the separation?
Well I will say a lot happened not growing up under same parent it is very though and it’s currently affecting my current life style because I can’t stay still, always restless, always on the move, I keep accepting jobs from states to states and my wife she is the only one raising our child.
At what point in your life did you know that you needed to change your direction to be a chef?
When I find myself here in United States, there’s nothing else I could do than cooking, rather than putting myself on a student loan. Cooking has always been my passion, right from seven years old
But there are some Guys out there that will tell you, “Being in the street will fetch you wealth” in the States…
(laughs) well, I guess they watch a lot of Hollywood movies. I faced a lot of racism and despite the whole experience; I still faced challenges among chefs who went to culinary school as a result of my creative culinary skill, which is top notch I was able to excel. Well I am super grateful to God almighty that has seen me through till today
Can you tell more about your beloved job? How has fatherhood been for you?
For me raising a child is a 24/7 job and no time to achieve your dreams, Before I became a private chef , I started as a dish-washer and moved to prep cook , line cook, lead cook and then soups chef, from hotels, restaurant and country clubs. And today I am super proud of my culinary accomplishment through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.
Before we end this interview, Chef, have been able to influence Nigerians there on your belief system “believe to achieve”
Yes, I kept in touch with the young once back in Nigeria who are into small chops and let them know why the need to be up to date with the latest trends. and also to keep a close relationship with God , he is the author of our life , if we stay truth to him he will lead us to our right destination instead of rushing and thinking my friends are moving higher we should believe that our time of success is different .
Any advice for Nigerian youth
My advice to our Nigerian youth, please stay out of trouble and don’t follow because your friends are doing it. Listen to the advice of the elderly. Remember whatever you put your mind to do with the help of God will prosper avoid shortcuts like internet scam, robbery ritual killings Remain truthful to yourself and everything will fall into place.
