BEYOND Cuisine

Did you know that until as recently as September 2019, there was not a single Black female chef who had been awarded a Michelin star? Her name is Mariya Russel, and she made history. As President of the HoteliersGuild and CEO of Couture Hospitality Concept, it gives me great pleasure to stand here today and introduce an initiative that is close to my heart. 'BeyondCuisine' is more than just an event. It's a movement to challenge the status quo, to shine a light on the underrepresentation of Black female chefs at the helm of our culinary industry.

Why does this matter? Because it's a reflection of the diversity we strive for, not only in our industry, but in our society as a whole. Diversity is not a mere trend. It's a necessity that fosters creativity, enriches our palates, and opens doors to new experiences.

This brings us to the raison d'être of BeyondCuisine. Our mission is to provide a platform for Black Lady Chefs, both established and aspiring, to share their culinary narratives, their passion, and their incredible talent with a global audience. By celebrating their achievements, we hope to inspire a new generation of Black female chefs, and to help them realize that they too can aspire for that Michelin star.

Our culinary safari will feature a series of videos, where these inspiring women will introduce themselves, present their signature dishes, and create a joint menu of excellence. Furthermore, they will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals, receive an invitation to join the HoteliersGuild Chefs Chapter, and be part of a movement that resonates globally.

This initiative is tied to the SIRIUSACADEMYAWARDCAMPAIGN, a program providing education, internships, and placements for aspiring culinary professionals. Our goal is to support these talented individuals as they climb the ladder of success, one delicious dish at a time.

As we prepare to launch BeyondCuisine in late July and prepare to continue our Gourmet Safari EXTRAVAGANZAculinaire later this year, I am inviting all our followers and friends to join us on this exciting journey. Let us together amplify the voices of these remarkable Black Lady Chefs, help diversify our industry, and usher in a new era of gastronomic brilliance.

Thank you!

Frank M. Pfaller | Founder President | HoteliersGuild