Chefish w/Chef Aleem Executive Chef, Restaurant Owner, Caterer & Private Chef Intro Chef Aleem was born & raised in Washington DC. Attending performing arts school as a kid. Where the seed was planted cooking in his moms kitchen. He wasn't focused on singing or dancing. He was focused on Culinary Artistry. Initially he didn't see it as a serious or profitable career path. There were some years of hustling & trying to figure things out. Aleem started having kids at a young age. Sadly his children's mother passed away. While his kids were still very young. That forced him to figure his life out & become a stable father for his children. Chef Aleem got formal training at Le Cordon Bleu in Tucker GA. Early on he tested the water with his own small takeout spot. Where he made a name for himself, & linked with 2 Chainz. He has been a private chef for the likes of 2 Chainz, Rick Ross & Justin Bieber, to name a few. His private chef experience has taken him to international destinations, working tours, and spearheading Esco Bar Lounge when it initially opened in ATL. Aleem is now the Executive Chef & Owner of Plated Lounge in Atlanta GA. While also owning & operating  Plated Pleasure Catering & Event Planning.   Welcoming to the Couch Chef Aleem For my Cheffies out there wondering Chef Aleem & I met through IG & once I moved to Atlanta we met & Have been friends ever since! Who I know I gave a brief intro. But in your own words. Tell us more about growing up in Washington DC & going to a performing arts school. How was it moving from DC to Atlanta? Did you feel like there was any culture shock?  How did you transition from being a Culinary Graduate to a Private Chef for celebrities? How important do you think fair is when taking a leap like that? Starter Why just to give our listeners a taste  - What was it like cooking on tour?  Main Course When: When did you fall in love with food and decide this was gonna be it? What or Who would you say is your greatest influence in the kitchen? When was there a major turning point in your career?  I know you have done restaurant consulting. When did you decide to pivot & open your own Brick & Mortar? Considering you've been cooking for over 20yrs have you ever felt burnt out & wanted to leave the industry? At what point did you start your catering company? Was event planning just something that came naturally after you launched the catering side. What was it like creating the Meal Time Cookbook w/2 Chainz?  What has been your greatest lesson opening Plated Lounge? For those thinking about opening a restaurant. What's your top 2 pieces of financial advice? When running a team, what are some differences you've noticed between men & women in the kitchen? What are some keys to balancing the budget? I know fatherhood is extremely important to you. How has fatherhood affected your work life balance? And you've kept the business in the family. Do your sons want to ultimately open their own spots one day?  You are a grandfather now. How important is legacy building to you? Recipe for success For those out there listening that might be interested in becoming a private chef for celebrities. What are the top 3 things you think they should know?  Palate Cleanser: After a long day of cooking at the restaurant. What are you making yourself to eat? When you are creating in the kitchen, what music are you listening to? Dessert  Can you tell me more about your nonprofit Cool Kids cook? Outro Besides Plated Lounge, and Plated Pleasure Catering & Events. Are you planning on opening Plated 2 or another concept? Tell us what's next for you. Please tell my Cheffies where they can find you. Follow Chef Aleem on IG -chef_aleem