Palatable Pleasures Section: Chef Johnny Scott

“CUISINE INSPIRED BY ADVENTURE”

THE MISSION KITCHEN

Chef Johnny's Story

Southern breed, Johnny’s mother kept him by her side during the holiday season’s preparing signature dishes for family gatherings. Upon graduating high school and going off to college Johnny found himself at a place where he was not focused, determined or even motivated to accomplish what he set out to do. After the birth of his son reality set in rather quickly and he found himself in the workforce moving from job to job attempting to establish some stability. Johnny admits that though he meant well, his actions and immaturity lead to some costly mistakes, namely 3 years of incarceration. Johnny worked on the prison kitchen staff, working 16-hour days as a means of staying out of trouble, all while learning more about cooking and baking. He became the head baker of the institution and fellow inmates encouraged him that upon his release he should really go out and make something of himself!

Crab Stuffed Shrimp with Butter White Wine Sauce

Johnny took the advice and when released, enrolled himself into The Culinary Institute of Savannah in Savannah, GA where he received his Degree in Culinary Arts. Soon afterwards, he met and married his wife who serves in the Armed Forces and they have traveled the world together. Johnny often reflects on a time when he had never even considered purchasing a passport and now, having lived abroad a few years, his perspective on how he views life and people has changed. During their time spent in Europe the family attended a community church named “City Mission.” They served the community, the homeless and refugees in which barriers were torn down and very strong bonds and relationships were formed. This meeting place also had a commercial kitchen in its basement, where Chef Johnny began utilizing his time and talents hosting cooking classes. Upon introduction Johnny would jokingly say “Welcome to The Mission’s Kitchen!”

C H E F J O H N N Y D I D N O T A L L O W H I S P A S T M I S T A K E S T O D E F I N E H I S F U T U R E S U C C E S S

Once returning to the United States, Johnny took the leap of faith and started his own business EXCLUSIVE in food service and named it “The Mission Kitchen.” The impact of his experiences took him on a new culinary journey which inspired his own personal style he like to call “Cuisine Inspired by Adventure.” A unique selection and pairing of flavors developed from local inspirations and international travel. Chef Johnny credits his palate pleasing creations to many friendships developed across cultural barriers from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and South America

Coconut Curry Mussels

While he enjoys cooking Johnny reveals his true passion, people. He is amazed how God uses the cooking to bring people to the table where conversation happens and the process of building relationships and thus communities begins.

Chef Johnny volunteers his time serving our troops and their families with Healthy Cooking Classes. He also served as guest speaker and mentor for incarcerated youth at the Juvenile Detention Center (St. Paul, MN) and Probation House for Boys (Fairfax, VA). The Mission Kitchen has held summer cooking classes in Southeast DC and currently caters luncheons for community leaders and reconciliation group meetings. He believes that teaching our youth skill sets for the workforce as well as entrepreneurship is ideal for grooming the next generation for success.

So, what’s the mission of The Mission Kitchen? -- To Eliminate every excuse, we can give ourselves as to why we are unable to succeed in life after having made terrible mistakes!

Johnny Scott is the owner and Chef of The Mission Kitchen, a Private Catering and Personal Chef Service serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area

Contact: (571) 882-2433 Email: info@themissionkitchen.com

Website: www.themissionkitchen.com

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