Y'all Have No Idea

By Chef Jerod Wilcher

From the streets of Miami to the bustling kitchens of ButterFLY Garden Brunch and Events, this book chronicles the incredible journey of a chef who turned adversity into inspiration. With unwavering resilience, Chef Jerod shares his heartfelt story—a tale of overcoming hardships, finding solace in cooking, and crafting a culinary haven against all odds.

Through vibrant narratives and mouthwatering recipes, this book invites readers into the heart of the culinary world, where passion meets resilience. From childhood challenges to the challenges of running a restaurant while navigating life's complexities, the author shares raw, real-life experiences that shaped his journey. Each recipe is a chapter, each anecdote a testament to the transformative power of food and determination. This book isn't just about cooking; it's a celebration of strength, hope, and the flavorful odyssey that led to culinary success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chef Jerod Wilcher
• Release date: Feb 4, 2024
• ISBN: 9798215410639

Book preview

Y’all Have No Idea

Y’ALL HAVE NO IDEA

CHEF CHAVOUIS JEROD WILCHER

Copyright © 2023 by Chavouis Jerod Wilcher

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by Takara M. Carter

Interior Design by Writluxe University

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgment

I. Memoir

1. Where It All Began

2. Man In The Mirror

3. The Lack There Of

4. Fight or Flight

5. Becoming a Man

6. Life Choices and Perspectives

7. How Do You See Me?

8. Give Me What You Got!

9. Creating the Signature Style

10. The Legendary Lobster Mac & Cheese

11. God’s Gift

12. Welcome to the Garden

13. An Experience to Remember

14. Seeing a Different Reflection

Chef’s Kiss

Afterword

About the Author

II. Recipes

Copyright © 2023 by Chavouis Jerod Wilcher.

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Edited by Takara M. Carter.

Interior Design by Writluxe University.

To my beloved children Victoria, Chavouis II, Leon, Danilah, and Matthias, as you explore your creative passions and navigate the vast canvas of life, may you always find inspiration in the limitless possibilities surrounding you. Your curiosity, resilience, and unique talents illuminate my world, reminding me of the endless potential within each of you.

To Thelisia Wilson-Wilcher, your unwavering belief in my abilities, even when I doubted myself, was the spark that ignited my culinary journey. Your vision for my future became a guiding light, leading me toward embracing my true calling. I am forever grateful for your faith, patience, and enduring support.

To my parents, Robert and Emma Wilcher, you are the foundation for my dreams. With all its challenges and triumphs, your life is a constant reminder of the path I've traveled and the heights I can reach. Your love and enduring spirit fuel my determination every day.

To Susan Waggoner, thank you for seeing and believing richly in me. Your support has been unwavering and helped motivate me to do things far beyond what I imagined.

To Carlos Monterroza, thank you for being the incredible mentor I needed, who helped me become the skilled Chef I am today.

To Food Network Chef Maneet Chauhan, thank you so much for the connection, the inspiration, and much more.

Special thanks to News Channel 5 Talk of the Town for the continued support.

I would also like to thank 92Q Radio Station and the staff for your support.

To every company, organization, and client, your trust in my flavors and your willingness to savor the unique dishes I create have nourished your bodies and helped me build the legacy I am now crafting. Each meal served is a testament to our journey together, and I am honored to have been part of your culinary experiences.

With gratitude and love,

Master King Chef Chavouis Jerod Wilcher.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

PREFACE

You see me under the spotlight in a double-breasted chef coat, knives gleaming, and a confident smile on my face, and you might think, This chef’s life must be a breeze. The world has a way of simplifying the stories of public figures. It paints us as overnight successes, as if our dreams were fulfilled effortlessly as if we never tasted the bitterness of failure or stumbled along the way. But let me assure you, the road to becoming the Chef you know today was anything but smooth. It was a journey carved through trials, seasoned with setbacks, and marinated in resilience.

I’m often asked about my success, how I became the Chef, whose dishes you savor, whose stories you read, and whose recipes you attempt in your kitchens. People inquire with wide-eyed wonder, expecting a tale of straight ascension, where every step was calculated and every obstacle easily overcome. But that’s not my reality. And I bet it’s not the reality of most chefs, artists, or anyone striving for excellence in their craft.

There were moments of doubt and exhaustion behind the scenes, away from the cameras and the accolades.