Meet Chef Supreme Dow | Non-profit Vegan Chef for LA’s Unhoused

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chef Supreme Dow and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chef Supreme, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
I would have to say the biggest lesson that I’ve learned was that no one in the history of man has ever gone broke giving back, meaning the fastest way to the top is pulling your people up with you. While most consider it a handout, I consider it a hand-up.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would say it had to be my upbringing, being raised in Philadelphia. Everything from the elementary school that I went to to the Pop Warner football coaches I had and the role models I had growing up, both men and women. I was able to see everyday blue-collar people be successful at the highest level and in every walk of life who came from where I did and looked like me, too. No matter what they were doing, they were successful at the highest level, so that let me know that no matter what I was going to do, I came from a community that gets it done.
I came to LA with that intention about 15 to 20 years ago. I told my father I was going to come to LA to be a celebrity chef, and I worked towards that goal the moment I got here. Within 23 months, I was a celebrity chef, and I was only able to accomplish that so soon because I came with a purpose and plan, and I was proactive towards making that happen. That was the only thing I was focused on bringing to fruition. I made a promise to my father, and I had to do it.

It was not hard making my dream come true; that was the easy part. The hard part would’ve been letting my father, family, and children down, to be honest with you. That was the hard part because they sacrificed so much for me to be here today.

If the world could take one thing from my story, it would be that no one in the history of man has ever gone broke giving back. We all come to a point in our lives where we can use what makes us great only to benefit us or give it back to the community. I can promise that by giving it back to the community, they will always give it back to you.

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.
If I had my best friend come out, we’d definitely take a cruise along the PCH. As far as food, I would take them to Woodcat Coffee in Echo Park and then to the lake – that’s the morning vibe. Next, we’d hike at Elysian Trail, go to a Lakers game, and probably eat at Pura Vida, Donut Friend, Lowboy, and food from me, obviously – one of the best vegan chefs in the city. We’ll definitely catch up and catch Chocolate Sundaes at the Laugh Factory. Last but not least, we’d do some thrift shopping!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My story started way before me. I have to thank my parents, their parents, and their parents. Not to be funny, but I really come from great people. My grandparents on both my mother’s and father’s side were revolutionary not only in their spirits but also in their everyday lives; they opened up trends and created a path for me that allowed me to be great. Specifically, I have to start by thanking my father. I’m his namesake, and I am only able to live out my dream and passion because I witnessed him do the very same. When you get to my specific journey here in LA, I have to thank people like Gwenna Hunter from Vegans of Los Angeles. I will consider her mentor people like Hadley from my dad’s recipes. I didn’t know anybody in LA and didn’t know the ropes, so she helped me out. Stuart Eubanks, founder of Who’s Hungry LA, is a military veteran and the first black man I saw running his own food business in a farmers market, so much so that I worked for him for free. People like Naomi from GenV and my homegirl SheRise also deserve credit for my story.

Website: https://theharvestacademyclub.org/

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Supremedow.chef