Chris Valdes is a well-known Miami culinary talent and TV personality. Chris has been on the cover of countless South Florida magazines, appeared on over 100 television shows, was on three Food Network shows – Food Network Star (season 14 finalist), Chopped, and FN’s web-based show Star Salvation. He’s the co-host of the ROKU original all Spanish food competition show !Que Delicioso Miami New Times. The launch of his first cookbook in 2021, One With The Kitchen, was featured on Good Morning America, Live with Kelly & Ryan. and Access Daily. The book is a beautiful tribute to his Cuban roots.
COOKING SHOW CHEF
Fusing Caribbean flavors with a Latin flair, Chef Valdes is bringing his easy, full proof, next level recipes to his YouTube show Cooking With Chris. Here are just a few of his yummy dishes new cooks can easily follow; Cuban Steak Sandwich with Pickled Jalapeños and Caramelized Onions, Banana Foster French Toast and Chili Shrimp with Pico De Gallo Topped with Feta Cheese.
Raised in a Cuban family that owned several restaurants, Chris was a mini culinarian as a child. After school, he was his mom’s little sous chef. Always intrigued with Cuban spices and flavors, this later impacted his signature culinary style. Cooking with his mom became one of his favorite things to do… and so was watching Emeril Lagasse on TV. Chris was a die-hard fan and he dreamt of following in his hero’s culinary path.
MIAMI CATERER
But life wasn’t always easy for this budding chef to be. His father was incarcerated for nineteen years and his family lost their home and restaurant business. These adversities only fueled Chris’ desire to make something of himself. He was determined to be successful and perhaps even be the next Emeril Lagasse.
Chris’ calling as a professional chef became evident when he was awarded a $10,000 scholarship to the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. After graduating at just nineteen, Chris opened Chris Valdes Catering. Still a thriving business ten years later, Chef Valdes has worked with many major brands and big corporations like American Airlines, Neiman Marcus, Royal Caribbean, Regal Cinemas and Univision.
MIAMI HOMETOWN HERO
Giving back is important to Chris and he does so by mentoring future culinary stars around the country. He also has a powerful impact on the local Miami community by championing philanthropic causes for the American Liver Foundation and Chapman Partnership for the homeless. During the pandemic Chris has helped feed over 50K South Florida families experiencing a food crisis, and most recently prepared and donated 400 hot meals to the brave first responders at Surfside.
Chef Chris Valdes
Chris Valdes Catering
Chef Chris Valdes YouTube