The next generation of culinary artisans are changing up the industry. These artisans have a whole new approach to reaching and satisfying the next generation consumer. In this podcast we will explore chefs and artisans from around the world diving into their story and passion.

In this episode of Chef AF, I chat with the owners Jamila and Akino West of Rosie's, a Southern-American, NY-style café that has progressed from a simple to-go concept to a full-service restaurant, offering feel-good soul food brunch with subtle Italian nuances and classic techniques. The couple has thirty years experience in the food and beverage industry and were nationally celebrated by Vogue Magazine, The New York Times and Travel + Leisure magazine when they opened the Copper Door Bed and Breakfast in 2017. The West's are utilizing the culinary skills at Rosie’s with a chef-driven menu.

Chef Akino West’s career spans from working for James Beard award winning Chef Michael Schwartz in Miami and three-Michelin starred NOMA, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Jamila West graduated from The Culinary Institute of America and has worked for James Beard award winning Chef Jose Andres via the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills and South Beach. West transitioned to the front of house management in the Middle East opening multiple locations of Katsuya, a Japanese concept.

I talk to the Wests about being married and being business partners, they talk about the challenges but both as individuals had big dreams. Both being workaholics were very driven by food, hospitality and their professional careers. Jamila says, “ I think that there were just synergies while we were dating so we ended up committing in different ways on a very serious level. We bought our first house together before being married, we opened up our business together before being married, so we had that. We had this growing relationship for about six years.”

The couple shares that Rosie’s was created out of a pivot when it came to the pandemic. They were operating a twenty-two room bed and breakfast where they were doing fifty covers at a small communal table that turned every thirty minutes out of a residential kitchen. Jamila and Akino always considered themselves restaurant people and have relied on their expertise from a culinary and hospitality perspective.

To hear how the Wests went from opening Rosie’s in Miami as a simple to-go concept to a full-service restaurant and their commitment to the community plus get their recipe for Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, check out this episode of Chef AF “It’s All Food” or you can listen at Spotify!