My name is Matt Jones and I’m a professional chef. I currently own a catering company in Kirkland, WA called Starry Nights Catering & Events. I’ve been at it for six years now, and it’s amazing to me just how quickly that time has gone by. Much has happened over the years, and I’ve learned a lot about myself and what it means to be a chef and business owner.

In point of fact, that’s one major thing that’s changed for me. I’m comfortable calling myself a chef now. Finally. I’m still relatively new to the industry, yes, and there’s a huge list of things I still need to learn, but I’m a chef. I’ve earned it.

I believe that being a chef is not just a title, it’s something you earn. It really only comes with time and experience, not with graduation from school or getting your first job, or (in my case) just opening a food business. Saying “I’m a chef” is basically the same thing as saying “I’m a professional cook with a serious amount of experience”, nothing more, nothing less.

This blog has been on hiatus for nearly three years. It’s time to bring it back. But with significant changes. I’m not nearly as dewy-eyed about it all as I was when I started. I’m certainly not jaded, but I am making a decision that I’m going to let out the beast, so to speak. This blog originally was very “pc” and neutral. Not so any more; please read the “warning” page.

This blog will be much more raw, incendiary, arrogant, opinionated, honest, and brutal. I’ve earned that right. I welcome any feedback, whether or not you agree with me, but I certainly won’t be apologizing for any of it. This will be where I let off some steam so I don’t have to be like this in real life. Because I’ve learned, among other things, no one likes to work with a dick.

Let’s cook!