Meet Sahara Grace Uy | Remote Personal Chef, Performance Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sahara Grace Uy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sahara Grace, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk is the name of the game!

My career choice has been a risk from the start. The culinary world was dominated by men when I enrolled at my local community college in the early 2000s. I quickly learned that commercial kitchens are not designed for individuals who are 5’1″. However, I was determined to learn and gain as much experience as possible.

Before completing my Culinary and Pastry Degrees in Hawaii, I applied to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park. Taking one of the greatest risks of my life, I moved to New York on my own to earn my Bachelor’s Degree and make something of myself in the hustle and bustle of the city. Soon, I took another leap by pursuing special events instead of the typical restaurant scene in Manhattan.

I honed my skills as a Sous Chef at some of the top special events and catering companies, often working in the homes of New York’s elite and at premier event venues throughout the city. From movie premieres and product launches to fundraisers, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and the MET Gala—I experienced it all. My latest risk was moving to Texas during the COVID lockdowns, knowing only my two brothers. With over ten years of experience, I decided to take the ultimate leap and become a Personal Chef. Four years later, I’ve cooked for several families, as well as professional athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My primary focus is to fuel families and individuals with food they enjoy, using ingredients that love them in return, so they can thrive in all areas of their lives. This means balancing personal preferences and cravings with dietary needs and restrictions, all while sourcing high-quality, clean ingredients. My goal is to prepare delicious meals that can be enjoyed repeatedly without the crash.

I’m both excited and scared to expand my reach. There is comfort in being a solopreneur, but I feel a calling to serve more people. I believe everyone deserves healthy, delicious food that is good for both our bodies and the environment. It’s yet another lesson—an opportunity—in risk-taking.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When I find time to explore what DFW has to offer, my go-to activities revolve around coffee, food, and something active.

Coffee Spots in DFW
My favorite coffee spots include:

Sons Coffee
Pax & Beneficia
George | Coffee
Otto’s Coffee & Fine Foods
Native Coffee Co.
Parks Coffee

Each of these places offers ample seating, diverse selections, and unique experiences. Parks Coffee Roastery & Cafe, for example, provides a tour of their facility, followed by a tasting of three single-origin coffees paired with baked treats from La Casita Bakeshop. They also offer a private tour for $30, allowing guests to roast their own bag of coffee to take home.

Food Recommendations:

When it comes to food, I recommend exploring Carrollton! The food scene there is constantly evolving and conveniently located off the PGBT. You can find a variety of cuisines along Old Denton Road, including Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese. My personal favorites include:

Saemaeul Korean BBQ
Maht Gaek
Baro Baro Kimbap
Too Thai Street Eats
District One
Jinya Ramen Bar
Pho Bistro

And no Dallas trip is complete without Texas BBQ! To avoid long lines, I suggest checking out Cattleack, Old House BBQ, and Hard Eight BBQ. If you’re looking for a unique gift, Everything Madeleine in Old Town Carrollton offers individually wrapped Korean-French madeleines that pair perfectly with your personally roasted bag of coffee.

Outdoor Activities:

To kick off your day, I recommend visiting either the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden or the Fort Worth Botanical Garden. Arriving early will help you beat the heat and the crowds. If people-watching or more vigorous activity suits your style, consider Trinity Trails in Fort Worth, the Katy Trail in Dallas, or Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano. These trails are great for walking, running, or cycling. If you prefer to burn calories at the end of the day, definitely check out Billy Bob’s, Pearl’s Saloon, or Cowboy’s Red River for some live country music and dancing. Break in your boots at Pearl’s Saloon every Thursday at 7 PM with Ronson Fox’s Two-Step Basics class! By Saturday night, you’ll be spinning and dipping like a pro!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord, Jesus Christ. He has been with me through every step of my journey, blessing me with the courage and self-discipline to walk through the doors He opened for me. A close second would be my mom, who modeled a gracious and courageous entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_simply_sahara_/

Image Credits
Head Shot by Andrew Boyle Photography