Meet Dorian Southall | Private Chef & Entrepeneur

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

Hi Dorian, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I would have to say that the most important factor behind the growing success of my brand is authenticity. I make a great effort to ensure guests feel like their event isn’t just transactional. I make genuine connections with all of my guests. “Sharing connections beyond the plate” is more than just a quote on my website, Its a belief. I take great pride in getting to know my clients, I want them to be comfortable talking to me and I aim to make a connection with them.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I provide custom chef-driven menus for my clients. is it the easiest thing to do? Not always, but, to have a client not have to worry about something being in the food that they don’t like or having to pick something out, or wonder if there is dairy in what they are eating, sets me apart from the other chefs out there.

How did I get to where I’m at today? Let’s just say, a lot of hard work and the corporate world not being very receptive to new and fresh ideas.

It’s not easy, there’s always self-doubt, insecurities, and such. It helps when you can have conversations with people that are going through or have gone through what you are dealing with. I’ve learned that, as cliché as it is, taking everything one step, or day at a time really helps. Sometimes those days are just, to put your head down, block out the noise, and take a half step at a time. Taking care of your mental health is important. However that may look to you, taking a walk, yoga, kickboxing, or seeing a therapist. If you arent mentally healthy, you won’t be able to get out of your own way.

I’ve learned, from starting my business, that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to when I’m focused.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many options to choose from! I would take them to see the Korean Friendship Bell and the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. Definitely try to catch an LAFC game if they are in town. Hang out at El Porto beach. Eat at Chicas tacos, Colussus Bakery, Lodge Bread Company and The Chori-man. Then dinner at Joey’s, or Otium. And then catch a movie and drinks at Alamo Drafthouse or Phantom Carriage Brewery. Visit Universal Studios. City Tours are fun as well! Finally a visit to Smorgasburg LA. I know I missed a lot, but it’s a start lol!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Between, friends, family, and close loved ones, there have been numerous people in my life, at different points in time, that have contributed, big or small, to my success.

Website: scratchtestkitchen.com

Instagram: chefdoriansouthall and scratchtestkitchen

Facebook: scratchtestkitchensocial