Kwame Onwuachi stars as a top chef in Netflix’s Chef’s Table’s newest season, which came out on November 27, 2024.
He is praised for his groundbreaking cooking that takes inspiration from his Afro-Caribbean background and life in New York City in the Bronx and San Juan Hill.
His eatery, Tatiana, opened its doors in 2022 and got a lot of praise, including The New York Times naming it the #1 Restaurant in New York City two years in a row.
Onwuachi’s latest Netflix spot isn’t his first time on TV; he’s been on screen before. What’s more, he hosts his own show, Tasting Home.
In this food series, Onwuachi digs into his cooking roots by visiting different places such as Trinidad, Jamaica, Louisiana, and Texas.
On January 16, 2021, the celebrity chef used his Instagram account to let people know that he;
Had a blast shooting the final episode of Tasting Home with my grandmother! We went to Mamou, Ville Plate, and Beaumont!!
Kwame Onwuachi Shares the Life-Changing Quote From His Mother, Jewel Robinson
His grandmother’s post isn’t the only family-related content Kwame Onwuachi has shared. He sometimes talks about his mother and sister as well.
One such post comes from Mother’s Day 2024, where Onwuachi revealed how his mom, Jewel Robinson, gave him a quote when he asked her to give him career advice.
He said her wise words have stayed with him throughout his career. That’s why he still follows them. In Onwuachi’s words,
“My mom is a chef, so growing up everything was always homemade and required a lot of effort. From seasonings to sauces, she took her time making it all. I remember she used to say, ‘It’s not a gravy! It’s a sauce.’
Yes, Onwuachi’s mom is a chef and cooks not just for her family but to support her kids. So, her job has had an impact on Onwuachi, and he chose to become a chef like her.
In that post, Onwuachi also shared,
As I got older and became a chef in my own right, I asked her why she put so much effort into every meal, even at home, and if she had any advice for me.
To this, Onwuachi’s mom replied,
You’re only as good as your last plate.
Jewel Robinson
Onwuachi then wrote on Instagram,
That has stuck with me throughout my career. Thanks for everything, Mom, love you. Every day is Mother’s Day!
Kwame And His Sister Tatiana Stayed With Jewel After Their Parents Went Separate Ways
Kwame and his sister Tatiana stayed with their mom, Jewel, when their parents split up. The celebrity chef was three at the time.
@bonappetitmag Chef Kwame Onwuachi's restaurant Tatiana is one of NYC’s hardest reservations to secure. We spent a day on the line with chef de cuisine Kamat Newman — here, she walks us through the overnight stock braising process
♬ original sound – Bon Appétit Magazine
Jewel, who used to be an accountant but became a chef and caterer, worked hard to take care of her kids.
She had met Kwame’s dad, Patrick Onwuachi, an architect, at a political event in New York City in 1989.
Kwame was born on Long Island but grew up in the Bronx under his mom’s care. Because of this, the famous chef posted a long message on Instagram for Jewel’s 60th birthday on August 31, 2023.
Mom, I love you for giving me a chance to be. For accepting me for who I am. And for loving me unconditionally. You are the reason I work so hard so that you don’t have to. You always told me to choose happiness growing up. I’m happy you chose me to be your son. Happy birthday!!!!
While Jewel was busy making money for the family, Tatiana looked after her little brother. Her constant presence and help had a big effect on Kwame.
To show how much his sister meant to him, Kwame named his first restaurant Tatiana after her. The eatery honors not just their bond as siblings but also how she helped during their tough childhood years.
@complex Chef Kwame Onwuachi breaks down the vision behind his iconic Tatiana restaurant! LINK IN BIO to watch the full episode of #ideageneration ♬ original sound – Complex
What’s more? An eye-catching painting of Tatiana with her two daughters hangs in the private dining room. He even shared a clip of it online and wrote,
My inspiration. The reason we are all here. Honoring my sister Tatiana in this way is one of my greatest joys. I’m grateful to be able to do it in my lifetime. Thank you @kohshinfinley for bringing my vision to life in this portrait that articulates the strength, perseverance, and love of Tatiana. My legacy is her legacy.
In case you didn’t know:
- Onwuachi dedicated his cookbook My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef to his mother.
- As a child, Onwuachi was a “bad kid,” so Jewel sent him to live with his grandfather in Nigeria for two years to “learn respect.”
- Following Tatiana’s success, he launched a new restaurant called Dōgon, which opened on September 9, 2024, at the Salamander Washington DC hotel.
