By: Ashlee Hall
Jonathan Harrison, a Shelby County native, recently put his home chef skills to the test by flying out to Las Vegas, Nev., to be on the show Next Level Chef. Not only did he gain culinary experience through working alongside famous chefs like Gordon Ramsay and form life-long friendships, he was able to bring his community together through his passion for cooking.
Life Mission
“It’s the perfect little spot,” said Harrison about his his hometown, Columbiana, Ala. It has been a place where he has “mastered the art of small town living.”
Cooking has been a passion for Harrison his whole life. He says some of his favorite memories of growing up come from gathering together at the dinner table. Because of this he found that food has been a way to bring people together.
“That is what I want to do with food. I want to facilitate horizon expanding conversations that in turn, turn into people understanding more about others and themselves,” said Harrison.
Harrison’s life mantra is practicing radical empathy, something he says is needed more than ever.
“Try to love and understand each other a little more and if we realize that everyone has a different struggle, the world is going to be a better place if we all embrace that,” said Harrison.
Next Level Chef
On the show, Harrison was always there to provide a laugh. If you have kept up with the show, you have probably seen his quotes turned into a gif or meme.
“It’s not every day someone gets to cook alongside Gordon Ramsay,” said Harrison.
Throughout his time on the show, Harrison was able to learn from other skilled cooks, such as Ramsay, Richard Blais and Nyesha Arrington, who were the three mentors on the show.
“Getting to meet and know Nyesha Arrington has been such a pleasure. She is a ray of positive energy and culinary excellence,” said Harrison.
Not only were the mentors an important part of Harrison’s experience but he says the other people he met along the way were the absolute highlight. By the time Harrison left the show he had gained friendships that would last a lifetime, expert culinary knowledge and left behind a legacy of radical empathy.
Community Watch Parties
Since the show has aired, Columbiana and surrounding communities have come together to support Harrison. Hundreds joined together weekly for watch parties hosted by Harrison.
“It has been overwhelming in the best way,” said Harrison.
The watch parties gave those who bought tickets the chance to watch that week’s episode of Next Level Chef while enjoying food cooked by Harrison.
“The way the community supported me was incredible. I will never be able to express how amazing it felt,” said Harrison.
Harrison says he hopes the watch parties and his time on the show inspire others.
“I see the community for what it could be and I want to continue to work to make it what it needs to be for everybody,” said Harrison.
Life since the show
Since returning home from the show, Harrison says he has been “cooking, cooking, cooking.” Although he has kept busy with watch parties and going into people’s homes to cook, he feels a deep sense of gratitude.
Since the show has aired, news of a local Alabama chef on national television has traveled fast. Harrison has been interviewed by Southern Living, AL.com and many more media outlets.
Harrison says he is excited to begin offering cooking classes, a YouTube series, and of course, more southern cuisine.
To learn more about Harrison, visit his website.
Vallo Vision News 