Location: New York, NY
Restaurant(s): The Cecil and Minton’s
Position: Chef de Cuisine
Cuisine focus: Afro-Asian-American and Low Country Cuisine
Notable Awards: James Beard Foundation award for Rising Star Chef (2015), Star Chefs Rising Star for Community Chef (2015), Forbes’ 30 Under 30, Zagat’s 30 Under 30, and Eater Young Guns (all in 2014), Chef of the Year by New York African Restaurant Week (2015). Television appearances including his 1st place victory at Rocco DiSpirito’s Dinner Party Competition (2011).
Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson is a James Beard-nominated Chef de Cuisine at The Cecil and Minton’s, both based in Harlem, New York. Chef JJ fell in love with cooking while a young boy in the kitchen with his Puerto Rican grandmother. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, he went on to hone his skills in some of New York’s most esteemed kitchens including Centro Vinoteca, Jane, and Tribeca Grill. Constantly in search of new flavors, Chef JJ spent a month cooking in Ghana at the country’s leading boutique hotel, Villa Monticello, studying West African cuisine and exploring the country’s exotic markets. Chef JJ’s many accolades include a nomination for a James Beard Foundation award for “Rising Star Chef (2015),” an award from Star Chefs as a “Rising Star for Community Chef (2015),” being named as one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30,” Zagat’s “30 Under 30,” andEater’s “Young Guns” (all in 2014), and being recognized as “Chef of the Year” by New York African Restaurant Week (2015).
1. What’s your regular comfort meal?
Great New York Pizza.
2. Tell us about a Kitchen Disaster story.
The first night that The Cecil was open to the public we were slammed, everyone was still learning the menu, we couldn’t keep up!
3. Do you have any kitchen battle scars?
The first time I was working in a professional kitchen, I sliced off the top of my knuckle on my thumb.
4. If your last day was tomorrow, what would be your last meal?
Pizza! But I would really just want to be in a great setting surrounded by my favorite family and friends.
5. Who makes your favorite knife?
Chuboknives.com
6. Finish this sentence:
If I wasn’t a Chef, I would be a college basketball coach because my dad is a coach and it has always been a passion of mine. I love teaching.
7. After a long work day, what do you do to decompress?
Either walk home and hang out at a local bar or go on a run with my dog.
8. What do you wish you had more time to do?
Travel and hang with friends and family.
9. Besides cooking, do you have any other talents?
Coaching basketball and working out.
10. What is your culinary “best case” scenario?
Learn more about Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson on his Chef’s Roll profile here.
Chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson will be participating in Puerto Rico Meets NYC this October. Learn more about the event by clicking on the image below.
