JJ Johnson is the acclaimed chef behind Minton’s in Harlem. After working his way through several big kitchens in New York City, JJ first earned raves from the critics at Minton’s sister restaurant, the Cecil, where the served a menu that drew inspiration from the foodways of the African diaspora. In this candid chat wit Helen and Greg, the chef talks about culinary school, his experiences cooking around the world, and the importance of having — and becoming — a mentor in the kitchen.