JEFF POWELL: Chef de China
#017 - Chef de China | Jeff Powell
This week’s guest is Jeff Powell: owner and chef of Frost here in Beijing, but that only scratches the surface of his impressive career. In addition to being a master chef and an executive consultant in his industry, Jeff is also a father, a family man, and a very nice guy. In the interview, he’s incredibly open about the challenges and the downsides of his time here as well as generous with sharing valuable business information that will be applicable to almost anyone trying to build or launch an endeavor of their own here, too, so there’s lots to enjoy and learn from.
Jeff’s background includes a stint as Sous Chef at the world-famous Stars restaurant in San Francisco for Jeremiah Tower, who is widely acknowledged as the father of California & New American Cuisine and a man who Anthony Bourdain called “the first celebrity chef”. An interesting twist on the narrative is that while Jeff was cooking his way to glory in San Francisco, he also became a well-known rave DJ! But eventually he moved to China, and that’s where his life truly changed. During his time here, Jeff has had great successes, learned tough lessons, and learned loads to share that I found to be very moving as he told his story.
As they say in the restaurant business, we get seriously into the weeds a bit regarding the restaurant industry, but we jump around a lot too, from the professional to the personal, so I hope you enjoy the ride.
Links to find out more about Jeff’s restaurant Frost or to learn more about me, the show, or to show your support in any way are included in the show notes below. Now, please enjoy my interview with Jeff Powell!
Jeff Powell’s Frost:
http://www.thebeijinger.com/blog/2017/06/26/xingfucun-thaw-frost-returns-comfort-food-troubled-neighborhood
Jeremiah Tower interview:
http://www.bonappetit.com/story/jeremiah-tower-last-magnificent-interview
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