The Chef Jeff Project

The Chef Jeff Project is a Food Network reality television program that aired in the fall of 2008. Chef Jeff Henderson is a former drug dealer and prison inmate who has transformed his life to emerge as a successful chef and owner of a catering business, Posh Urban Cuisine.

Premise

Chef Jeff invites six young adults with similar tumultuous backgrounds to work as his crew for Posh Urban Cuisine for the duration of one month. The format of the reality television program is such that all participants who complete the project are eligible for the Food Network Scholarship to culinary school. The aim of the competition test each individual to the limits and not elimate the competition; Henderson makes is clear to the competitors that the only way they can lose is if they quit.

Season 1 Crew

•Maria: Maria's mother abandoned her when she was three years old, and her father is currently serving with the US Army in the Middle East. A recent high school graduate, Maria dreams of one day working in an upscale restaurant.

•Shante: Shante is a a caring mother. She has worked her way through cafeterias and hopes her love of food and determination will help her succeed and provide a positive influence for her children.

•Adam: Adam grew up in an abusive environment and was homeless for a period of time. With no professional experience, Adam possesses a natural ability to improvise in the kitchen. South Central Sushi is his specialty; he substitutes spam, chicken or hotdogs for fish.

•Alonzo: Alonzo loves to be around people including his brothers and sisters. His hidden musical talents on the piano and drums may only be the tip of the iceberg, as his true calling may be found behind kitchen doors. Alonzo is part of the culinary program at Los Angeles Trade-Tech and sees cooking as his only way to avoid the dangers of the streets.

•Katherine: Katherine grew up in a devout Christian family. Kathy lived a picture perfect life until an addiction to drugs destroyed her relationship with her family leading her down a dark path. After living at the Los Angeles Dream Center, a life rehabilitation center, for over a year, a sober Kathy has found a healthy new addiction: cooking.

•Brett: Growing up, Brett was the black sheep among his family and eventually left his home. Brett started cooking in the kitchen of the Los Angeles Dream Center, a life rehabilitation center, and immediately found the perfect outlet that allowed him to excel. He is very competitive and believes cooking is in his blood.

References