Who is Valentine Howell Jr.? 'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant has featured on 'A Moveable Feast' on PBS
DORCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS: Valentine Howell Jr. will be joining 14 other candidates on 'Top Chef' to compete for the coveted $250,000 grand prize.
Renowned for his expertise in Greek cuisine, he is also the proprietor of taco pop-up Black Cat. Valentine has garnered a loyal fan base who flock to his restaurant to experience his contagious smile, positive energy, and culinary wizardry firsthand.
With a mantra of staying hungry, humble, focused, and prepared, Valentine continues to push the boundaries of his craft. His culinary talents have earned him recognition, including being a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast in 2023.
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'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Valentine Howell Jr. has always been drawn to the magic of hospitality and food
Born and raised in Boston, Valentine Howell Jr. discovered his passion for hospitality and food from an early age.
He began his formal culinary education at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and went on to graduate from Newbury College with a Bachelor of Science degree in hotel, restaurant, and hospitality management.
His journey is fueled by his deep appreciation for food, art, culture, travel, and the connections he forms with people along the way.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Valentine Howell Jr. has worked alongside culinary royalty Lydia Shire
With more than two decades of experience working in the kitchens of some of Boston's most renowned establishments, Valentine has honed his culinary skills. He has held positions such as Banquet Chef at Legal Sea Foods, Sous Chef at Mastro's Ocean Club, and Executive Chef at Krasi.
Valentine infuses the team at Krasi with an energy that is nothing short of larger than life. His journeys to Greece have played a pivotal role in broadening his culinary expertise, as he wholeheartedly embraces the culture and hospitality, preparing him for his role at Krasi.
His warm demeanor and culinary prowess quickly have made him a local celebrity in both Greece and his hometown.
Throughout his career, Valentine has had the privilege of working alongside culinary icons like Lydia Shire, an experience that has greatly influenced his cooking style and expanded his culinary knowledge.
'Top Chef' Season 21 contestant Valentine Howell Jr. was a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in 2023
Valentine's culinary journey has been enriched by the diverse experiences gained in every kitchen he's worked in. His dedication and expertise were recognized when he became a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef in the Northeast in 2023.
The James Beard Awards were established in 1990 by the James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York.
These prestigious awards celebrate outstanding talent and accomplishments across various domains, including the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system. Widely regarded as the "Oscars of the food world," the James Beard Awards honor excellence and innovation within the culinary community.
'Top Chef' Season 21 talent Valentine Howell Jr. is currently focused on hosting pop-ups
Valentine is currently dedicated to promoting his international food concept, Black Cat Eatery, through hosting pop-ups.
These events showcase a diverse array of dishes, including tacos, shared plates of Caribbean, Afro-Latin, and Latin street foods, all with his creative twist. Emphasizing the use of local produce and cultural ingredients, Valentine ensures each dish reflects authenticity and innovation.
Additionally, he has made appearances on shows like 'A Moveable Feast' on PBS, further showcasing his culinary expertise and passion for food.
'Top Chef' Season 21 premieres on Bravo on Wednesday, March 20 from 9 pm ET. The episodes will be accessible the next day on Peacock.