Victoria G Interviews Rhashad Lawery

Victoria G: What inspired you to become a chef?

Rhashad Lawery: From a young age, my passion for cooking blossomed as I witnessed my grandfather's remarkable ownership of Munir's Fish and Steak House, a renowned restaurant in Queens, New York. The vibrant atmosphere there fueled my love for culinary arts and entrepreneurship, allowing it to flourish. When I was actively assisting my grandfather and his team in the kitchen, gaining valuable experience, and honing my skills I eagerly wanted to elevate my expertise. I made the great decision to embark on an incredible journey by joining Season Seven of MasterChef Junior. This remarkable experience has further enriched my culinary journey.

VG: Who are some chefs that inspire you?

RL: My greatest chef inspiration undoubtedly stems from my grandfather! He possessed an extraordinary talent in the culinary arts, leaving a lasting impression on me. His unwavering passion for cooking and entrepreneurship was truly unmatched. His ability to innovate and craft novel dishes, combined with his deep affection for the world of gastronomy, continues to motivate me to this day!

VG: What is your favorite thing about cooking?

RL: I derive immense joy from cooking as it allows me to tap into my boundless creativity! The art of crafting, new and delectable dishes, while constantly striving to surpass my previous creations, brings me unparalleled delight. Witnessing the radiant smile on someone's face as they savor my culinary masterpiece is a priceless reward. To provide my dear mother with some respite, I take pleasure in taking charge of the kitchen at least four times a week. A true showstopper, my signature dish entails succulent Shrimp Scampi paired with luscious homemade linguini pasta, a crowd-pleaser for everyone.

VG: What is your favorite dish you have ever made?

RL: My all-time favorite culinary masterpiece is undoubtedly Shrimp Scampi! Crafting this dish brings me immense joy and excitement. Preparing the sauce from scratch and handcrafting the pasta turns the entire experience into a truly remarkable culinary adventure. Each bite, as the al dente pasta tantalizingly enters my mouth, elicits an unparalleled sensation of pure bliss.

VG: What can you share about your time on MasterChef Junior?

RL: My experience on MasterChef Junior was absolutely incredible! I cherished every single moment of it, from the exciting challenges to the invaluable lessons I learned. Spending three months in Los Angeles with my mom created an unforgettable bond between us, and it's a memory I will always hold dear. The opportunity to be surrounded by exceptionally talented chefs on MasterChef was truly awe-inspiring. Learning from world-renowned culinary experts was an absolute privilege that I will forever be grateful for. I thrived on the ability to think quickly on my feet, a skill that has become invaluable in my everyday life. To sum up my experience on MasterChef Junior in one word: phenomenal!

VG: How would you describe yourself in three words?

RL: When reflecting upon my character, three words come to mind: charismatic, passionate, and caring.

VG: What are your social media handles?

RL: My social media handles are... Instagram: https://instagram.com/rhashadlawery?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= (https://instagram.com/rhashadlawery?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rhashad?lang=en (https://www.tiktok.com/@rhashad?lang=en) Snapchat: https://t.snapchat.com/Bx1qkxxA (https://t.snapchat.com/Bx1qkxxA) YouTube link: https://youtube.com/ (https://youtube.com/@rhashadlawery67

VG: Where do you see yourself in ten years?

RL: In ten years, I envision myself achieving a remarkable milestone by earning my prestigious business degree from HarvardUniversity. Armed with this invaluable education, I aspire to embark on an exciting entrepreneurial journey, establishing my very own thriving real estate development company. Simultaneously, I see myself captivating audiences through my captivating reality television show, which offers a unique and immersive glimpse into my professional endeavors and personal life. Furthermore, I am passionately driven to create a culinary haven, where individuals from diverse cultures can gather and experience the enchanting flavors of the world. With my restaurant, I aim to showcase a rich tapestry of global cuisine, celebrating the intricacies and nuances of different cultures, ultimately fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our shared human experiences.

VG: What are three qualities every chef should have?

RL: Every exceptional chef should possess the invaluable skills of leadership, the willingness to embrace constructive feedback, and an unwavering ardor for their craft!

VG: Do you have any advice for an aspiring chef?

RL: Definitely! As an aspiring chef, my advice to you would be to immerse yourself fully in the culinary world. Embrace every opportunity to learn, whether it's through formal training, apprenticeships, or working in different kitchen environments. Develop a strong foundation of culinary skills and techniques, but also cultivate your creativity and passion for food. Be open to feedback, as it will help you grow and refine your craft. Build a network of mentors and industry professionals who can guide and inspire you along your culinary journey. And above all, never lose sight of your love for cooking and the joy it brings to others. With dedication, perseverance, and a continuous thirst for knowledge, you can carve out a successful and fulfilling career as a chef.

VG: What's next for you?

RL: Exciting times are just around the corner as college application season approaches! In the upcoming fall, I'll be submitting applications to my dream colleges. Additionally, I'm embarking on a new entrepreneurial journey, introducing a skincare line and a delectable range of hot sauces. While I can't reveal all the details just yet, I encourage you all to stay tuned for more updates!

VG: RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS What is your favorite food?

RL: Salmon!

VG: What is something you can't live without?

RL: My loving family!

VG: What is your biggest pet peeve?

RL: People who don't own up to their mistakes.

VG: Do you have any hidden talents?

RL: I am good at tumbling.

VG: Do you play any instruments?

RL: I used to play the recorder!

VG: What is your favorite pastime?

RL: Going on drives and listing to music with my siblings!

VG: Do you have any pets?

RL: Not now, but I did have two bearded dragons!

VG: What is your biggest fear?

RL: I hate tsunamis!

VG: What is your favorite film genre?

RL: Horror! My family and I always love watching horror movies!