Meet Kristine Qassom | Private Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristine Qassom and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristine, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
When I set out to launch Epicurean Adventure, I made sure it wasn’t just about the food; it had to reflect my values. After much contemplation, two principles stood out: “Quality of Life” and “Conscious Consumption.”

“Quality of Life” is non-negotiable for me. Having spent years sweating it out in various kitchens and corporate setups, I knew I craved something different. Sure, I love being in the kitchen and working with a team, but those grueling 14-16 hour shifts, day in and day out, just weren’t cutting it for me. And let’s be real, the toxic kitchen culture with its yelling bosses and mental health issues? Not my vibe. So, when I embarked on this journey, I vowed to create a better work environment—one that respects everyone, pays them well, and ensures they’re happy and healthy. It’s not just for me; it’s for anyone who crosses paths with Epicurean Adventure.

Now let’s talk about “Conscious Consumption.” This isn’t just some trendy phrase for me; it’s a way of life. I firmly believe that what we eat reflects our values and has a huge impact on the world around us. That’s why I’m all about sourcing ingredients directly from local farms and artisans. It’s not just about freshness and quality (and yes, those are major perks); it’s also about supporting our local economy and cutting down on our carbon footprint. In a world drowning in waste, I’m on a mission to make a change—one delicious meal at a time.

At its core, Epicurean Adventure isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of who I am—a commitment to living well, doing right by others, and leaving this planet a little better than I found it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Epicurean Adventure, was born from my childhood dream to explore diverse cultures and cuisines worldwide. I was fortunate that my career path has led to opportunities for me to live out this dream. I’ve had many wonderful and eye-opening experiences throughout my travels full of meals and people I will never forget!

These experiences are special to me and I want to share them with others, when granted creative freedom by clients, I love creating menus inspired by my travels and sharing knowledge about the cultures and cuisines I have encountered.
As I mentioned, a big focus of Epicurean Adventure is “Conscious Consumption” and while I customize each menu for my clients, I firmly believe that what we eat reflects our values and has a huge impact on the world around us. I do my very best to source ingredients from local farms, artisans, and even my own garden! Houston is my home, and I want to give back to this community by supporting the people who are a part of it.

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship and establishing my own business was not without challenges. Particularly, the common stereotypes about kitchens proved to be true, especially at the start of my career. These environments, often heated and ego-driven, regrettably took a toll on my mental well-being. Like many others, I struggled with mental health even at one point almost losing my passion for cooking.

However, a transformative moment arrived when I encountered MAD (the Danish word for food). A symposium founded by Rene Redzepi of Noma, dedicated to culinary discourse and innovation. I left America for the first time in 2014 to go to this symposium, finally starting down the path of my childhood dreams! It was inspiring, three days surrounded by amazing industry leaders pushing the boundaries on topics like kitchen culture, “food deserts”, and food waste. Since then many kitchens have actively been working to create a better quality of life for their staff and changing kitchen culture.

I have vowed, as a business owner to create a nurturing and inclusive environment. I aim to give people a better experience than I had early in my culinary journey. MAD has since opened an Academy where in 2021 through hard work and applying I was granted the opportunity to attend their environment & sustainability course which furthered my drive for “Conscious Consumption”. They offer a Leadership and & Business class as well which I was also accepted to and will be attending in April, I’m excited to grow my knowledge so that I can continue to work towards my goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, I love this question, so much good food in Houston! For food, I’d suggest:
-Pepper Twins – the Kirby location they have a Golden Egg Corn dish that is AMAZING
-Tiny Champions – for initiative and seasonal Italian food
-Neo – One of the best Omakase experiences in Houston
-Money Cat – This place is so fun
-Urban Harvest Farmers Market – Saturday mornings, they have so many great local vendors and plenty of breakfast options
-Handies Douzo – wonderful handrolls and crudos in a super fun environment
-The Rice Box – for quick service Chinese food, it’s sooo tasty
-The Hot Bagel Shop – Best bagels in Houston
-Tatemo – intimate restaurant putting out a Mexican tasting menu
For Drinks:
-Heights Beer Garden
-Eight Row Flint
-Refuge
-Lei Low
-Better Luck Tomorrow
-Anvil
Activities:
-The Houston Museum of Natural Science, specifically the butterfly exhibit I love it
-Check out Buffalo Bayou Park
-Watch the bats emerge at Waugh Drive Bridge
-Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
-Houston Zoo
-Memorial Park

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many people have been like my personal compass, guiding me through this crazy journey of cooking since 2009. A big shoutout to all the Chefs, Cooks, and Sommeliers who’ve been there, showing me the ropes, sharing their wisdom, and just being awesome mentors. I owe a lot to their knowledge, influence, and kindness. They’ve not only helped me get to where I am today but also set me on the path for whatever the future holds. Grateful doesn’t even begin to cover it! Amid triumphs, it was the challenges and setbacks that truly honed my culinary skills. Those moments taught me crucial lessons in resilience, creative problem-solving, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Looking back, I now see that adversity and failure were not stumbling blocks but rather stepping stones toward culinary excellence.

Website: https://www.epicureanadventurehtx.com/

Instagram: @epicureanadventurehtx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-q-94362115a/

Image Credits
Kat Ambrose Photography & Danny Nguyen Photos