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

Hi Onyinyechukwu, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The Kitchen Finesser was developed partially out of fear my of being a life long server, passion for cooking and just creating something that was truly my own. I didn’t have a traditional culinary background or business degree but I knew I had developed a skill over the years to create great experiences with guests. I was frustrated with the culinary world and food scene at the time. The misrepresentation of women in restaurants across the nation especially BLACK chefs was frightening, so I got out of my comfort zone and started to put in the necessary work and cook food that spoke to my culture & environment.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Kitchen Finesser is not your average Chef or catering service. We specialize in custom menus, host local pop up restaurants, and even do wine tastings. I am proud of the food I create with my business partner, Chef Martin Webster. I was blessed to team up with Chef Martin during the Pandemic after relocating back to Houston when I was getting my life back together & rebranding my business. From our International Street Food Menu, where we showcased Nigerian, Afro-Caribbean, & Creole flavors at The Flat; to our 8-course wine tasting at Pur Noir Urban Winery cultivating a catering company where we as chefs don’t put ourselves in a box is my proudest accomplishment.

How I got this far is learning how to be resourceful & stepping out on faith. Using the internet to do research & asking local business owner questions about systems and operations really assisted me to scale my business. It wasn’t easy and nor do the challenges come to an end. I feel as chefs & business owners we have to learn to overcome challenges everyday that’s apart of the job doing it with grace is the objective.

My goal is for The Kitchen Finesser to be a food brand that allows individuals from diffrent cultures to deeply connect, learn, and appreciate true Modern American Food in a traditional or non traditional way. Houston is the perfect place for chef & brand that loves diversity.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you come to Houston, eating is what we do! You will eat out two or more times a day because the food is that good. Bravery Chef Hall, Traveler’s Table, Taste Bar & Kitchen, Prey, Handi Duzo, Chacurra & Coltivare.

Now as far as drinks, I love a good drink even more important is the mixology team the guys at The Flat & Better Luck Tomorrow got you covered on drinks. As far as wine and a nice vibe Pur Noir Urban Winery & Trez Art and Wine Bar are my go-tos.

I’m a Lower Hieghts resident so I’m all about riding bikes & hitting the park. Buffalo Bayou Park, Herman Park any nice day in Houston lifts my spirits.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My amazing loving family, my business partner Chef Webster, & my amazing friends and supporters. I couldn’t have a better support system than my family. They are the driving force behind why I love to cook so much, it our family’s thing.

Website: KitchenFinesser.com

Instagram: @TheKitchenFinesser

Facebook: Facebook.com/TheKitchenFinesser

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