Kahja interviews Chef Nelson
When people think of leaders in the culinary community in the Bay, Chef Nelson German is one of the first names that comes to mind. Top Chef alum and owner of two of Oakland's most beloved restaurants, AlaMar Dominican Kitchen and Sobre Mesa, Chef Nelson is not only showcasing his NYC Afro-Latino roots in Dominican culture, but is creating his own intersections with other cuisines of the Black Diaspora where these foodways not only meet, but shine. His dedication to being a passionate advocate and leader for chefs and restaurateurs in Oakland is evident, so it's only right that he closes out Season 5!
In this final episode of the season, Kahja and Chef Nelson talk about their NYC beginnings, making space for the cultural nuance of identity, staying the course during difficult times for food businesses in Oakland, the fine line between grit and going too far, new parenthood, and representing what's possible for generations to come.
Oakland Restaurant Collective (EBX)
Wanna keep up in between episodes? Follow Kahja on IG at @heykayinthebay.
This week's episode is brought to you by Cafe Colucci (@cafecolucci), Brundo Spice Company (@brundospices), and Diff Works (@staydiff).