Best known as the celebrity chef inducted into the Smithsonian African-American Museum for his authentic shrimp and grits dish and for working alongside famous personalities such as Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Viola Davis, Whoopi Goldberg and Shaquille O’Neal, Chef Carlos Brown currently stands as an inspiration in the culinary world so much so that he was even honored with “Chef Carlos Brown Day,” which happens every August 23 in Charleston, South Carolina. Aside from all of his accolades, Chef Carlos has a heart for youth, special needs children and families.
Through his nonprofit C3 International Culinary Camp, Inc., Chef Carlos hosts a training camp for children aspiring to explore their passion for the food industry. Along with highly-trained chefs and food experts, Chef Carlos teaches the campers the fundamentals of preparing dishes ranging from appetizers, salads and entrees to desserts. Children get to explore daily themes with the chance to showcase the skills they learn in the kitchen through hands-on and practical demonstrations, cooking games, and finally, in the Chef Challenge competition.
Aside from mastering skills in the kitchen, C3 International Culinary Camp, Inc. goes over and beyond as it teaches its students several life skills, including effective communication, social responsibility, goal setting and business etiquette. Overall, the organization hopes to use the culinary craft to further develop and influence the appreciation of how food is viewed and consumed with the freedom to experience food as an art that creates fun moments, meaningful connections and special experiences.
The visionary behind the nonprofit is also the restaurateur of Shrimp & Grits Cafe, a Lowcountry and bistro dining experience. Coming from humble beginnings of working in his mother’s kitchen, Chef Carlos first started his culinary career in the dish room of a local restaurant. He worked his way up, envisioning a bright future in the hospitality industry. As fate would have it, award-winning actor Jim Carey tasted one of his dishes and requested him to be his private chef. Soon, Chef Carlos found himself cooking master dishes for Tyler Perry, Ray Lewis and many more Hollywood stars.
Over time, Chef Carlos has proven to be one of the most talented chefs in the country. His exceptional gift in the kitchen is signified by numerous awards including the 2020 National Black Chefs Culinary Excellence Award, American Culinary Federation Award, the Diamond Culinary Medal and the Kingston Chef Scholastic Award.
For Chef Carlos, his passion for the culinary world would not be complete without advancing his lifelong advocacy of helping youth realize their culinary dreams. He is committed to giving back and making a difference in the community and hopes to inspire the next generation of chefs to explore their talent and highest potential.
Learn more about Chef Carlos Brown by visiting his website.
