About Us

Chef Donald J. Smith

Chef Donald was born and raised in New Orleans, the heart and
soul of Creole and Cajun culture. He learned the ins and outs of
Authentic Creole Cuisine at the feet of his parents and
grandparents. He relocated to the Bay Area in 2001 with the
Aramark Corporation.

To enhance and broaden his knowledge and skills of Creole
Cuisine and add a little more professional twist to it, he attended
Louisiana Vo-Tech College and obtained a certificate in Culinary
Arts and later went to Delgado Community College where he
earned an AOS degree in Culinary Arts in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Chef Donald now boasts fifteen plus years of professional
experience in haute couture and cuisine. He has had the privilege
to utilize his expertise as well as his passion for cooking at the
Hilton Hotel Corporation and also worked for the world-renowned
New Orleans Brennan's Family.

He has also worked with world-renowned chefs, such as Chef
Leon West, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Chef David
Woodward, Hilton Corporation and Jamie Shannon, Commander's
Place.
Chef Donald has serve world class clients such as Barry Bonds of
the San Francisco Giants, The renowned Clark Sisters and Dr.
Louise Rice, National President and Cynthia Butler-McIntyre First
Vice-President of Delta Sigma Theta and his the Personal Chef for
Bishop Jerry W. Macklin, Second Assistant Presiding Bishop and
General Board Member for COGIC, Nor-Cal Jurisdictional Prelate.

Chef Donald has Traveled the world and interacted with other first
rate Chefs from around the globe. He has had the rare opportunity
of sharing his expertise and passion for good food with other
Chefs from countries such as Brazil, Italy and Spain.

Chef Donald is member of the American Culinary Federation,
Association of African-American Chefs, Chef's Association of the
pacific Coast, Jug's Social and Pleasure Club (New Orleans), 100
Black of the Bay Area, Glad Tidings Men of Distinction, ( Hayward,
CA) and African-American Chamber of Commerce (Oakland, CA).

A member of the Glad Tidings Church of God in Christ where he
and serves as chef for the Hospitality Ministry.

Chef Donald doesn't hesitate to volunteer his service to his
community.

For example, he served as a volunteer for the Children's Hospital
Chef's Charity and Louisiana Project 21, Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita.