Chef Geoff Thomas

I’m inspired by my ancestors. I grew up surrounded by great cooks—my great-grands, grands, & parents. As an adoptee, finding my birth family led me to the plantation my ancestors were freed from. My great x3 grandmother was the family cook for Abe Lincoln’s best friend. I stood in her kitchen & was invited to cook where she once did. Those legacies fuel my passion—honoring tradition, telling stories through food, and preserving history one dish at a time.

Osso Buco. I love braised meats because they take time, build deep layers of flavor, and make the absolute most of every ingredient. Even if you don’t like vegetables, I bet you’d love a soft carrot from the bottom of a roasting pan, soaked in rich shank juice.

I’d use some to pay down debt, giving me the freedom to focus fully on my passion. A portion would fund my cookbook, where I travel and cook with grandparents around the world, preserving their recipes and stories. The rest would help grow my personal chef business and bring me closer to my long-term dream—building a self-sustaining homestead for my family. This isn’t just about food; it’s about legacy, culture, and creating something that lasts for generations.