LaTasha C. Scott is a devoted mother, daughter, and sister, beloved culinary arts teacher, people connector, and highly sought-after chef whose sincere belief in Christ informs the mission of her company, Promised Land Foods & Catering.
As the oldest of three children, at the age of ten, LaTasha began her culinary pursuits by preparing nightly dinners and meal-prepping lunches to help her hard-working single mother. A passion for providing healthy and tasteful meals was ignited. By the time she graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in marketing, LaTasha had plans to use her degree to fulfill her now full-blown passion for utilizing her culinary skills.
After attending the esteemed Joseph Business School, Chef LaTasha began Promised Land Foods and Catering in 2016 and has hit the ground running fast, becoming an in-demand personal chef and caterer.
N’DIGO recently sat with a versatile chef and business owner to learn more.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is LaTasha Scott?
LaTasha Scott: I am an innovator because I don’t allow myself to become complacent in my industry and business endeavors. I am open-minded because I’m always looking for ways to fit into your consumers’ and clients’ needs. I am adaptable because I’m willing to create within the boundaries I may face in my industry. I am courageous because I’ve been told I’m not afraid to take chances that will propel my talents and ability to affect lives in a positive way.
What are three words people who know you best would use to describe you?
Determined. Resilient. Visionary.
What did you dream you’d do for a living as a child?
I actually dreamed of being a doctor or a lawyer. I used to watch Channel 11 when I was a kid, and they would perform live surgeries, and I was so intrigued. Then I thought Clair Huxtable was such a lady, and I low-key wanted to be her when I grew up.
Where did you get your fondness and love for cooking?
I would have to say, my grandmother. That’s where it started because she COOKED cooked. Like gravy and dinner rolls from scratch type of cooking. A great deal of my foundation came from her, but it wasn’t until the passing of my father that I discovered that my dad was devoted to the craft of cooking. I didn’t live with my dad growing up, so I wasn’t made aware of his cooking skills until much later.
How did you find your way to making it your profession?
Honestly, this happened by accident, let me tell you. But I’m a devoted Christian, so I know my steps were ordered looking back. When I was in college, I simply needed a job. Long story short, I took a gig at Applebee’s as a server. From there, I found myself working various server positions until a few years later, I took an event coordinator position at the world-famous Chef Emeril Lagasse‘s Restaurant in Atlanta, GA, and I decided to bake a cake for the staff. Everyone loved that cake so much that the next day, I was taking orders for it. I didn’t have a business name at the time, but that was the beginning of Promised Land Foods & Catering.
Please tell us about your company, Promised Land Foods & Catering.
Promised Land Foods & Catering began in 2008 as a full-service catering business. My mom was my first client. I started a catering business because, truth be told, I didn’t have the resources to open a brick-and-mortar. I was told that I should use what I had. I was stumped because I didn’t have anything. But leaning my ear towards the Lord, he gave me specifics. I thought I needed stainless chafing dishes; He told me to use wire racks and foil pans until I could afford better. Slow and steady is how this company was built, and now we service the Chicago land area, providing unparalleled services for events of all kinds.
Also, please tell us about the upcoming “Brunch & Bubbles” event.
Brunch & Bubbles is our women’s networking event, taking place on July 20th at the fabulous Recycled Modern in Hyde Park. The event focuses on women helping women advance as we share resources and knowledge for our personal and professional development. In addition to great food and a fun atmosphere, the event will feature a discussion panel featuring myself, strategic positioning expert Aaaja Corinne Magee, design consultant Christina Crump, Trichology consultant Delfanita Warren, and real estate investor April Smith. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite.
What, if anything, is your professional or personal motto regarding food?
Fresh and quality ingredients only. Cutting corners has never tasted good!
Do you have any cooking influences or chefs you look up to?
Yes, Carla Hall and a pastry chef by the name of Kelly Fields.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Those who know me know I still dig a little 90s rap!
Best advice to a young person?
Rise above the fray.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“Maybe you’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.” – Unknown.
What’s next for Chef LaTasha? (Dreams? Future Projects? Goals?)
I look forward to having that brick-and-mortar one day, creating a space for students to continue to learn and thrive in this industry. Be on the lookout for upcoming events like our annual fall event, Bourbon & Bonfire, taking place on October 19th at the Alsberry Jr. Municipal Center in Hazel Crest.
For more information on LaTasha C. Scott and Promised Land Foods, please connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.
