Hidden Gems: Meet Monique Burns of The Positive Chef

Today we’d like to introduce you to Monique Burns.

Hi Monique, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started when I decided to take a chance on myself back in 2011. I lived in Burbank, California, just working to pay the rent and just drifting in space.  I have always known that culinary was for me, but life kept getting in the way. I remember sitting on the living room sofa with my roommate when I finally decided to make my dream a reality. I couldn’t afford the tuition at the art institute in Hollywood, but I could afford cookbooks, online classes, and YouTube. I spend as much of my free time just cooking whenever I have the chance, constantly working on my craft. During this process, I met two local chefs who took me under their wing and taught me soo much about the business and the joy of cooking. I worked with them for about two years, gaining much experience cooking for high-end clients and extravagant private events. Finally, I was doing what I have always wanted to do. Later that year, I packed up my 2004 Chevrolet Malibu and moved to Arizona to further my education in culinary. I enrolled at Scottsdale Community College after graduating and working at a local restaurant in downtown Scottsdale. From there, I have worked at ramen shops, fine dining restaurants, hotels, private chefs, and just gaining knowledge. With that, I decided to start my own business, and it has been the best decision I had ever made.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey has been isn’t easy at all. I have so many challenges starting my career and my own business, from financial hardships, being around small-minded people, and letting fear consume me. Sometimes, I want to give up, throw in the towel, and walk away, but you have to give yourself 1,000 chances a day; You might need a good cry and a strong cup of coffee. But things do get better; you need to push through and have a great support system.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Positive Chef is a personal chef service based in Phoenix, Arizona. Our mission is to nourish the body and celebrate every moment in life, committed to supporting our local farmers and small businesses. My company’s primary focus is the client’s nutritional needs ranging from healthy prepared meals, custom-made cold-pressed juices, and high-end private dinners. I offer in-home personalized meal prep, intimate dining experience, and private celebrations. Our in-home personalized meal prep is prepared in the comfort of your own home, and weekly custom menus are created personally fitting your diet or lifestyle needs. The kitchen is left spotless, and your fridge is full of beautifully made meals. The intimate dining experience is one of my favorites of the services. I offer—packages from two courses meals to five courses meals, including bread service and your choice of graze boards. It’s one of the best ways to spoil yourself, friends, and family. Private celebrations service is perfect for baby showers, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, birthdays, and life celebrations. Attention to detail and enjoyment are the principal focus, taking the stress off your plate so you can create moments.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
The local restaurants and the community is what I love most about this city. I love that you can find more small, independently owned companies than corporations. What I don’t love about phoenix is agricultural land is. We’re we for other things than growing our food; farmers are getting pushed out further. It is a sad event to witness. Our farmers are a huge part of the community, and by supporting local farmers today, you are helping to ensure that there will be farms in your community tomorrow. That is a matter of importance for food security in our community.

Pricing:

• In-home personalized meal prep (5 meals ) $200.00 plus the cost of food
• Four-Course Meal including bread service with assortment of spreads, your choice of seasonal fruit and cheese board, charcuterie board, or crudité board, Two proteins & two sides and salad, appetizer, and dessert. $125.00 per person Minimum 4 guests

Contact Info:

• Email: monique.burns@thepositivechef.com
• Website: thepositivechef.com
• Instagram: chefmonique_

Image Credits
Bridget Michelle