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

Hi Maleeka, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Im from Long Beach, CA, Bixby Knolls to be exact. I take a lot of pride in being where I’m from, Long Beach has birth so many stars and I really feel like I’m up next. The beauty of Long Beach is that there is so many cultures intertwined together. At a young age I was introduced to many cultures and cuisines that have helped me develop into a very skilled Chef.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been working a 9-5 job since I was 15yrs old and 97% of the time it was at a restaurant. My love for culinary has always been strong but the more I seen what goes into making customers happy behind the scenes it just added to my work ethic. My journey to where I’m at today having worked for my biggest clients which was at Dr. Dre’s Estate has not been easy in the slightest. I’ve had to overcome sexism, racism and classism and I truly feel that it just made me an all around professional. What I’ve learned along the way is to never burn bridges and never judge a person by first glance because you never know who can help you walk through the next door. What I’d like the world to know about myself and my brand is that my connection to the Culinary world is deeper then just satisfying plates, I care about the Holistic healing properties behind it and help my clients be satisfied Mind, Body and Soul.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Honestly I don’t go out much because I’m always working but I do enjoy Mosa Coastal that’s in Manhattan Beach, CA. I also really love the dishes at Roe in Long Beach, CA. Great food, good vibes and dope atmosphere.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to a few people in my life that help mold who I am today. First my amazing husband Kristian for always motivating me to be my best self and always helping me to strive for the absolute best out of life. He’s showed me how to love myself and be proud of myself throughout this lifetime no matter what. Second I’d like to acknowledge my aunt Kalilah who passed away when I was a teenager but she influenced me at an extremely young and fueled my fire for culinary and to respect the art of the culinary world. She helped me with my first Turducken at the age of 7 and I will never forget her loving presence in my life. And last but most importantly my beautiful mother that is no longer with us, my mom always let me practice recipes on her and she was always entertained my crazy ideas and constantly guided me to be a strong black woman no matter what. I truly believe that all 3 of these beautiful people helped build me up to who I am and who I have the potential to become.

Website: WWW.CHEFRABBIT.ORG

Instagram: _ChefRabbit

Linkedin: Maleeka Harris

Facebook: Chef Rabbit Catering

Yelp: Chef Rabbit Catering

Youtube: Chef Rabbit

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