I recently sat down with Jay Whitaker of Red Sea Cooking and Catering to talk food. I could tell this man was passionate about his craft by the chef’s coat he Donned. 

Jay hails from North Carolina where he started cooking at just 13 years old. His passion and love for cooking grew out of catastrophe when Hurricane Bertha passed through his neighborhood destroying nearby houses. His family was spared, and thankfully his mother was prepared. Jay’s house was the only one with a deep freezer. 

Little did Jay know that he would soon be tasked with cooking up all that food, block party style. It was a Thanksgiving-style spread. Jay has been cooking ever since. He’s not self-taught. He says, “He’s God taught.” Jay explained how God sends him a vision about a recipe, the ingredients, the proportions, and the technique. This is how he executes the delicious meals he cooks up for clients and events. Cooking is his gift, and Jay encourages others to find Theirs. 

“We live in a material world where young people often think that to make money and be happy they have to be in the limelight like a rapper or athlete,” says Jay. “Cooking is an honorable profession that can bring great satisfaction and financial independence.” 

Jay’s mother inspired him and pushed him to do his best. The biscuit challenge is an example. His mother is known for her biscuits so when she challenged him to a bake-off and Jay won, he knew he was onto something. I love biscuits but the dish I want to sample is his country Bacon. 

Jay had me bacon, but when he described it as hand-battered and deep-fried, I was intrigued. The texture is outstanding and it is one of his most popular sides. There is a secret to preparing it that involves ice- cold water. If you hire Jay for his professional cooking lessons or meal prep I think he will let you in on the Secret. 

The North Carolina native is also a personal chef who can cook just about any cuisine. His wife, Nedra Whitaker, has been an encouragement to him and their sons Jayden, Davies, and Darius are an inspiration to Jay. Aubriella is their newest edition; she’s already in the kitchen at just a year old. You can also send Jay a direct message on his Facebook page, Red Sea Cooking. His cookbook, by the same name, is available on Amazon. 

Lastly, check out his YouTube channel, Red Sea Cooking, for tutorials and be sure to follow him.