Chef Theodore Coleman, born in the early ‘90s in New York City, is a dynamic and innovative force in the culinary world. Heavily influenced by the vibrant culture of hip hop, iconic 2000s anime like One Piece and Food Wars, and reruns of Iron Chef America, Theo knew from an early age that his passion lay in the culinary arts.

After graduating from Food and Finance High School in 2010, Theo honed his skills under the tutelage of Master Chef Floyd Cardoz at renowned establishments such as North End Grill, Paowalla, and The Bombay Bread Bar. As well as Other Restaurants such at MARTAs, Empellon and Mischa. His journey in the kitchen has been marked by a dedication to creativity, flavor, and a deep respect for culinary traditions.

In 2021, Theodore was honored to be selected as part of the inaugural class of James Beard Fellows, a testament to his talent and promise in the industry. He also sat on the junior board of The Food Education Fund, where he is committed to fostering the next generation of culinary talent and advocating for food education.

CULINARY STYLE

Theo cooks like a memory igniting itself. His style is rooted in Afro-Latin fire, East Asian precision, and Mediterranean soul—then reborn through seasonal instinct, wood-fired intensity, and molecular gastronomy. He cooks in layers of contrast: smoke and brightness, softness and crunch, heritage and innovation.

There’s no boundary between flavor and feeling in his food—just alchemy. Ash becomes language. Citrus cuts through nostalgia. A pork dumpling might carry an entire diaspora. His cooking doesn’t aim to impress—it aims to haunt, to honor, to provoke

Afro-Latin soul food, East Asian precision, and Mediterranean brightness. Fermentation, smoke, citrus, umami. Core ingredients: plantain, black garlic, preserved lemon, miso, aji, za’atar, chili crisp.

He channels the energy of a griot with the precision of a tactician. His teaching style fuses the science-forward clarity of Alton Brown with the cultural grit and storytelling depth of Anthony Bourdain. Every class is a narrative. Every technique connects memory to mastery.

Chef Theodore Coleman continues to inspire with his unique blend of cultural influences and culinary expertise, making him a standout figure in the contemporary culinary scene.