Meet Jessica DeOcampo | Private Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica DeOcampo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, what are you inspired by?
I am deeply inspired by the sounds that fill the space of our everyday life, the slow mornings of untouched wind and birds chirping. I also feel inspiration in the quiet bustle of a coffee shop or a traditional brigade kitchen. The blank white noise of humans doing human things, there is so much to observe with the connection of “noise” and emotion. How rhythms of life can influence our thoughts, being, and action. Not only in human form but including other forms of life like animals, fruits and vegetables and the fungi kingdom. All life forms are vibrating at its own frequency, telling us their story which can be transferred into its environment, communicating stress or pain or love or gratitude, all feelings are what give flavor and zest to life. Just like how all different types of music can be created and felt. This connection between food and music consistently inspires me, and how this relationship shape shifts all over the world in different countries and cultures, for all of us to experience.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Starting in the service industry at the young age of 15, taking orders and counting cash registers I learned very quickly I enjoyed interacting with strangers with a purpose to make their day a little brighter. I found my passion a few years later cooking in the kitchen, a love that brought me back to my childhood watching my patriarch of a grandfather who was a MasterChef in the Coast Guard during WWII. I find new ways to express my creativity, after years of dealing with masked ADHD it felt so right to be in the stress and hustle of a kitchen where I can push my limits and take great pride in my work. My culinary journey has cultivated this over arching theme of radical authenticity and self acceptance, no matter how service went, I was able to stay on solid ground knowing I tried my absolute best. Now I am able to inspire others to cook in their homes so that they can grow confidence and capability in the kitchen, finding new points of interest and learning more about themselves along the way. No more gatekeeping the name Chef, everyone can cook and create a delicious meal.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
As a California Queen born in San Francisco and raised in San Diego, I have found a plethora of reputable restaurants to recommend but nothing starts the day better than hitting up a local farmer’s market in the morning to check the local fruits and vegetables in season. And grabbing a warm and cozy tea/coffee to invite you into play for the rest of the day. I am always a sucker for a budget friendly plan so sight seeing at Balboa Park to see the gardens and museums is a nice exercise to stretch the legs. After I think it is a must to visit the beaches in America’s Finest City. Where you can usually find a delicious taco shop near by that serves Fish Tacos or Ceviche to match the water itinerary. The beach is a playground where you can be in the sand, in the sun, playing with a ball and splashes of the waves. On vacation, you cannot forget to hit the happy hour at some of the upscale restaurants near by, Ironside Fish and Oyster gives deals you just can’t ignore like dollar oysters and clam chowder fries. Where after you can explore the downtown area for more bites to eat and much more places to explore!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Book: The Power of Now! by Eckhart Tolle

Group: @TheHandmadeChefs (Lesa and Violette Lewis)

Person: Chef Aracelli (@kitchenprodigy)

The people and articles that reach me in perfect timing, I owe so much strength and motivation from these sources. Helping me level up as a better human

Website: chefjessde.com

Instagram: Chefjessde

Twitter: nft_foodie1

Image Credits
@Timothy_moreno