Nick Wallace Has the Chops {Life}

A Jackson chef is making waves in the food world by marrying Mississippi farmed goods with sophisticated culinary technique.  Chef Nick Wallace, born and raised in Edwards, Mississippi, formed his love of food at a very young age. As a little boy, he would wander his family farm barefoot, cheeks stained by blueberries; and as he matured, his passion for the culinary world grew stronger and stronger." Wallace began his career washing dishes in high school.  “It was important to me to work around food any way I could.” Wallace explained.  He went from working in restaurants to working in hotels then cooking school.

In 2015, Chef Nick made his Food Network debut competing in Alton Brown’s Cutthroat Kitchen, a high-energy game show where chefs go through different recipe challenges to compete for $25,000.  While the Edwards native did not win this competition, he returned to the cooking channel in October of 2017 where he took first place on Food Network’s Chopped: Alton Brown Challenge.  “It was incredible winning this time around,” Chef Wallace grinned. “I felt I owed it to myself and my family to compete again and show my skill and technique.” Wallace says he’s not done competing. “I’m determined to be a two and three-time Chopped champion.”
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Competition isn’t the only thing that’s on Wallace’s radar.  He spends a great amount of time with his non-profit organization Creativity Kitchen.  Chef Nick realized that children in the Jackson-metropolitan area needed healthy meals at school and for some kids it would be their only opportunity to receive delicious and nutritious fare.  “It’s so important for me to give back to the community, specifically JPS [Jackson Public Schools],” Chef said. “It’s really tough being young and black. You may not get the support you need, and if I can help even a little bit it’s worth it.” The young chef went on to say that he plans to revolutionize the business.  “Giving back is usually the last step in a chef’s career. Instead, I’m starting with it.” This year, Chef Nick Wallace has made it his mission to do more. He plans to fill 2018 with growth, advancement, and helping Mississippi. ​

Article written by Hilary Ravick