Chef Dene:
Some people work their entire lives in a field they don’t love. Chef Dene Lynn is not one of them. She cooks to relax, cooks to treat surrounding loved ones, and she cooks to inspire the next generation. Opting for fresh ingredients only, she specializes in natural foods with lots of texture. A favorite dish of hers is her rendition of tuna tartar, which is a wonton baked basket filled with seared tuna, diced cucumber and an avocado wasabi cream. The “Tuna Basket” might be Dene’s go-to, but fortunately to her clients, she can create an edible masterpiece out of almost anything. Author Keturah Isreal says she invited Dene to prepare a meal at her house for a special occasion. Keturah was unable to go grocery shopping for the event and thought she’d ruined the evening, but what she saw as an “empty” pantry, Dene saw as creative opportunity, further establishing herself as a culinary artist and professional. Many other clients like Keturah are very impressed.
Happy Food Dance:
Not only is Dene is personal chef and caterer via her company Happy Food Dance, she’s also a teacher, deeply invested in helping those around her learn the skill and finesse of great cooking. She currently trains special-needs students in Culinary Arts at Warren Technical School, a career she loves – so much so that her students often help with Happy Food Dance catering events. Through actual experiences, her students learn how to sizzle, steam and sauté in the kitchen, but also the business aspect of working in a professional industry. Through what Dene herself has learned through her culinary education, whether it was studying at Felix Fechenbach Berufskollegg in Germany, or even working at The Clinton Foundation in New York where she worked with The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, she incorporates a sense of cultural and personal experiences in every lesson taught and every dish made. Her client list ranges from the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to the Red Panty Society to HousesRUS, and the young cooks she’s encouraged and inspired are all across the region.
Chef Dene believes every person has a unique version of their own “happy dance,” something they do when joy is unequivocally present. She hopes to make every client of hers break out in his or her best Happy Food Dance at the first bite of any dish she’s crafted.
