Davis , a graduate of Johnson & Wales University for Culinary and Restaurant Management in Miami , Florida , is a personal chef . “ I decided to become a personal chef after I met my husband , Eric . He was already working as a personal chef and convinced me to open my own business , Personal Chef Kali , LLC .”
Davis grew up in Destin , Florida where fish is abundant and always prepared fresh . While most kids ’ palettes prefer chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese , it was only natural that Davis grew a love of seafood . “ When I was 9 years old , my uncle would take me and my cousin to Marina Cafe , and I would always order the ‘ Petite Filet ’ with broccoli and mashed potatoes ’ while my cousin ordered buttered noodles ,” she said . “ One year , my friend and I thought it would be a good idea to host a Mother ’ s Day dinner for our families . I think that ’ s when I made my first crab cake . I ’ ve been cooking for my family since I was about 14-15 years old !”
It was at the age of 18 when Davis began taking cooking seriously and moved to Miami to pursue her culinary degree . “ Miami is a big city and that was something I craved . I wanted to experience culture outside of our own . I wanted to dive into some good food , and experience a new way of appreciating food . I wanted to find myself in my culinary future .”
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But earning her degree did not come without hard work and determination . Davis explains that culinary school is the most disciplined , regimented , and strict environment . “ During one of my first courses , it was my job to prepare a puttanesca sauce . Well , I burnt the garlic , which was a major ingredient , and the entire kitchen was filled with the sharp stench , but I didn ’ t tell the chef because I was afraid to be sent home . The chef ended up calling me out in front of the entire class and told me I should rethink my career in culinary ; that it ’ s not meant for everyone . Needless to say , I spent the rest of the course washing dishes with my head held low . But all was not lost - the next course I was focused and determined to never burn garlic again !”