Diary Entry 7: The Skinny Chef Diaries: His Labour of Love ❤️🍽️

Hey Skinny Mama’s!

I trust you've all had a fabulous week! This week's blog is a very special one and incredibly close to my heart because I get to sit down and have a chat with my favourite human being, my biggest supporter, and the love of my life.

But before we get into today's interview, I have to say it again Skinny Makoti family, it still feels so surreal….

WE JUST GOT ENGAGED! 💍✨

As many of you know, behind every Skinny Makoti recipe, foodie adventure, and late-night content brainstorm is my number one cheerleader, chief taste tester, personal chef, and partner in crime the one and only Skinny Chef.

Today, I thought it would be fun to switch things up and put him in the hot seat! From his love language served on a plate to the little moments that make our relationship so special, we're diving into the world of the man who keeps me well-fed, well-loved, and permanently spoiled.

So grab a beverage, get comfortable, and welcome to the very first edition of...

Interview with The Skinny Chef

Skinny Makoti:

The people want to know: What is it really like being the personal chef to Skinny Makoti?

Skinny Chef:

Well, that's an easy one! I'm basically on call 24/7! 😂 Whatever craving she has, I'm always ready to deliver.

But honestly, Skinny readers, I absolutely adore the Skinny Makoti, and feeding her is my love language. There's nothing that makes me happier than seeing her enjoy something I've cooked. Food has always been my way of showing affection, and thankfully she's more than happy to be my favourite customer!

Skinny Makoti:

We recently got engaged what was the moment you knew I was "the one"?

Skinny Chef:

I knew you were the one when you finally agreed to go on our first date after months of me asking you out!

The way we talked, laughed, and looked at each other that evening just felt different. Everything flowed so naturally. There were no awkward silences, no pretending to be someone we weren't. From that moment, I knew there was something special about you, and I haven't looked back since. In my heart, I already knew I had met my person.

Skinny Makoti:

For those meeting you for the first time, tell us a little about your journey. What inspired you to become a chef and when did you realise food was more than just a passion?

Skinny Chef:

My culinary journey began in London at the tender age of 16.

Funny enough, it didn't start in a restaurant kitchen. I was working in a nursing home caring for the elderly, and I began noticing how poor nutrition was affecting many of the residents. Watching how food impacted their health and quality of life completely changed my perspective.

That experience lit a fire inside me. It was the moment The Skinny Chef was born.

I became obsessed with learning everything I could about food, nutrition, and cooking. I trained under some incredible chefs who helped mould me into the chef I am today. I started at the very bottom of the ladder, peeling vegetables, cleaning kitchens, and doing whatever was required to learn.

It wasn't an easy road.

Sartoria is an acclaimed Italian restaurant located on the world-famous Savile Row in London. Known for its refined Italian cuisine and elegant dining experience, the restaurant has built a reputation for combining traditional Italian cooking techniques with contemporary flair. Working in such a high-pressure, internationally respected kitchen provided Chef Rod with invaluable experience, exposing him to authentic Italian culinary traditions and helping shape the skills and discipline that would later define his own culinary career.

Years later, I found myself working at Sartoria in Savile Row, London. The pizza chef there had been brought in directly from Napoli, Italy  the birthplace of pizza. To put things into perspective, I was the only Black chef and the only non-Italian working in that section of the kitchen.

But I kept showing up, working hard, learning, and pushing myself. Eventually, I worked my way up to Sous Chef, second in command.

That was the moment I realised cooking was more than a passion. It was part of who I am. Food wasn't just something I did anymore it was my purpose, my craft, and my life.

Skinny Makoti:

Skinny Makoti's signature question: What inspired you to write The Skinny Chef Diaries, and what exciting projects are you currently working on?

Skinny Chef:

The Skinny Chef Diaries was inspired by a young lady named Grace.

Our paths crossed when I was Executive Chef at The Orbit Jazz Club.

Grace had dreams of becoming a chef, so I offered her some work experience. During that time, I learned she was living with sickle cell anaemia.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keTMNRzCamA

Grace was living with sickle cell anaemia, an inherited blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. The condition can cause chronic fatigue, severe pain episodes, and a range of other health challenges. Learning about her journey opened my eyes to the powerful role that nutrition and healthy eating can play in supporting overall wellbeing, inspiring me to explore the connection between food, health, and healing even more deeply

Meeting her sparked something inside me.

It made me think deeply about the relationship between food, health, and healing. That's when the idea for a cookbook was born a collection of recipes designed not only to nourish people but potentially help improve their quality of life.

I started putting this labour of love together in 2020 when the first wave of COVID struck. Like many people, I had just been retrenched and was facing an uncertain future.

Instead of giving up, I took to the kitchen with my camera and started creating.

What began as a difficult season slowly transformed into a passion project that would take almost three years to complete.

Funny enough, once the manuscript was finished, it sat on the back burner for quite some time.

Then along came you, Skinny Makoti.

You gave me the encouragement and push I needed to finally finish the project and share it with the world. That's exactly why the final recipe in the book is dedicated to you.

As for what's next, there are a few exciting projects in the pipeline!

The one I'm most excited about is recently completing my Highfield qualification in Teaching and Education, which officially makes me a qualified culinary teacher.

I've always had a passion for teaching and mentoring others, so the next chapter of my journey is creating a culinary school that offers internationally accredited training.

Watch this space  we're just getting started!

Rapid Fire with The Skinny Chef ⚡

Skinny Makoti:

Coffee or tea?

Skinny Chef:

Coffee. Always coffee. ☕

Skinny Makoti:

Fine dining or home-cooked meal?

Skinny Chef:

Fine dining. I love dressing up, going out, and enjoying a great meal and memorable experience.

Skinny Makoti:

Early bird or night owl?

Skinny Chef:

Early bird. I love starting my day at the crack of dawn.

Skinny Makoti:

One ingredient you can't live without?

Skinny Chef:

Chilli! 🌶️

Skinny Makoti:

Describe your fiancée in three words.

Skinny Chef:

Kind. Passionate. Supportive.

Skinny Makoti:

Who says "I love you" first?

Skinny Chef:

Me, obviously! 😂

Well... most of the time, if I'm being honest!

Skinny Makoti:

What's one thing I always steal from your plate?

Skinny Chef:

Anything and everything that has to do with chicken! 🍗

Final Thoughts ❤️

As we celebrate this exciting new chapter together, I'm reminded of just how grateful I am for the love, laughter, unwavering support, and incredible meals we've shared along the way.

Life isn't always perfect, but when you find someone who celebrates your wins, supports your dreams, laughs at your terrible jokes, and still makes you a plate of food after a long day, you've found something truly special.

To my Skinny Chef, thank you for always showing up, for loving me so wholeheartedly, for believing in me even when I doubt myself, and for making even the ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

And to my beautiful Skinny Makoti's , thank you for being part of our journey. Your support, encouragement, and love mean the world to us.

Here's to forever, full plates, happy hearts, exciting new adventures, and many more delicious memories together.

Until next week, stay fabulous, stay healthy, and remember the best recipes are always made with love. ❤️🍽️✨

Love, always

The Skinny Makoti 💕