Chef Chris Valdes’ loyal YouTube fans are continuing to cook, laugh, and eat with him, thanks to the release of his 4th season of “Cooking With Chris” videos. To celebrate the unveiling of the premiere of the program trailer last month, he hosted an exclusive VIP event at Grove Studios for the news media and lifestyle and food bloggers.
The May 27 VIP event aimed spotlight Chef Chris’ signature bites and cocktail creations that are featured in the videos – and it was a sizzling success. The fun, interactive cooking demo gave guests a unique opportunity to make their own “Pavlova Mess” dessert, complete with plenty of whipped cream and fresh fruits.
A finalist on Season 14’s Food Network Star, native Miamian Chef Chris Valdes has created a delectable and fun approach to the kitchen by fusing Caribbean flavors with modern influences that create thought-provoking dishes that are easy to make.
The Chef has a gifted palate and a unique ability to create amazing dishes. His relentless drive to share his innovative recipes led Chef Chris to create his own platform on YouTube and star in his very own series, “Cooking With Chris.”
Life wasn’t always easy for the Miami self-made celebrity Chef. Growing up without his parents, who lost their home and family restaurant when he was only six years old, Valdes had a rocky start. However, his passion for the culinary arts, coupled with his enthusiasm and hard work over the years earned him a scholarship to attend the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts.
After graduation, Valdes decided to rule out law school and create his very own catering company, Best Chefs Catering. And the rest is history.
The young chef has accomplished feats that any successful seasoned chef would call impressive at his age. In addition to his successful YouTube Channel Cooking with Chris, he has been featured on the covers of several magazines, and in local newspapers in Miami and recently was a finalist on Food Network Star and Star Salvation.
Chef Chris has also been chosen to participate as a featured chef in many of the local food festivals in the community including Carnival Miami’s Cork and Fork, the Doral Food & Wine Festival, the First Annual Mango Festival, and in several of the South Beach Food & Wine Festival VIP events. Most recently he was invited to participate in the upcoming New York Food & Wine Festival in October.
Valdes has made an impact in the local Miami community by championing several philanthropic causes including the American Liver Foundation, Amigos for Kids, and Chapman Partnership for the homeless.
“Giving back to the community is very important to me and what I do,” says Chef Chris. “There’s a special feeling, an inner fulfillment, when you do good and give back. Simply priceless. Giving helps you maintain a humble state of mind. We should share with others.”
During the government shutdown earlier this year, Chef Chris fed over 1,000 furloughed federal workers at Miami International Airport. His humanitarian efforts also extend abroad – as he braved a visit to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Irma to aid in the disaster relief effort by bringing toys to the children at area hospitals.
