Behind the chef and the brand
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Chef Rai discovered his passion for cooking at a young age. Growing up in a family with a rich culinary heritage, he was exposed to a wide range of flavors, techniques, and simple ingredients that ignited his curiosity and a deep love for the culinary arts.
After putting a thirty year, illustrious career in Makeup Artistry on the back burner in 2017, Chef Rai ultimately decided to expand on his passion for Culinary Arts, and enrolled in Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts. The beauty and creativity he once illustrated on faces throughout so many years are now visually apparent in Chef Rai’s bright, colorful, and awe-inspiring dishes.
With a strong foundation in classical French techniques, Chef Rai developed his own unique style, blending elements from various cuisines to create exciting and memorable dishes. His artistry goes beyond taste, as he pays meticulous attention to presentation, believing that food should be a feast for both the palate and the eyes.
Throughout his career, Chef Rai has received numerous accolades and recognition for his culinary expertise. His commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and his dedication to seasonal and sustainable cooking, have earned him a reputation for excellence.
In addition to his work in the kitchen, Chef Rai is an avid advocate for culinary education. He is the expert Chef for LV Mommy Makeover, where he teaches everyday moms how to recreate delicious, cost-effective meals for their families. He regularly conducts a variety of cooking classes, and donates his time and expertise for community events.
Beyond his professional achievements, Chef Rai remains humble and grounded, always seeking new inspirations and challenges. He believes that cooking is not just a profession but a way of life, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring the endless possibilities within the culinary world.
Today, Chef Rai is the CEO and Executive Chef of “Rai’s ‘infamous’ Kitchen,” where he continues to create culinary masterpieces leaving a lasting impression on diners and fellow chefs alike. His creativity, and relentless pursuit of perfection make him a true exemplification in the culinary realm, and his journey is far from over.
"Infamous???"
The History Behind The “Infamous” Brand
In 1999, Chef Rai moved from Brooklyn, NY to the coastal town of Asbury Park, New Jersey, while looking for an affordable home to call his own. He knew very little about the infamous history that plagued the shore town he would soon call home.
In the early 20th century, Asbury Park cemented itself as New Jersey’s premier tourist destination, with nearly 600,000 summer visitors annually. Asbury Park’s boardwalk was home to the Convention Hall that housed a grand arcade connected to the Paramount Theater. The Casino was another distinct feature of Convention Hall which provided a space for live music and entertainment.
As New Jersey marched through the 20th century, it left its crown jewel of the shore behind. Once the Garden State Parkway opened in 1947, tourists were no longer constrained to mass transit for summertime amusement. They were now free to explore other seaside towns and resorts further away.
Like the rest of pre-Civil Rights America, Asbury Park was racially segregated and its black population experienced exclusion, poverty, and the looming presence of the KKK. As the area’s tourist appeal (and money) dwindled, racially motivated anger rose, leading to the race riots of 1970. The week-long riots decimated the once alluring shore town, causing over $4 million in property damage and causing residents and remaining businesses to flee the town. Then NJ Governor, William T. Cahill, urged President Nixon to declare Asbury Park a major disaster area. What followed were years of chaos, destruction, crime and corruption. What was once a whimsical seaside resort was now a war zone.
Despite its sociopolitical turmoil, Asbury Park held fast to the music scene, but the LGBTQIA+ community can perhaps take the most credit for Asbury Park’s revival. In April of the year 2000, the New York Times published an article declaring Asbury Park as “The new gay mecca,” instigating urban gays to lead the way in reviving the run-down resort town.
As the word "infamous" has a negative connotation, so did Asbury Park. Anything that involved or came from Asbury Park was now looked at negatively for years to come. As a way of taking the “infamous” word back, Chef Rai created “Asbury Infamous,” a brand of socially conscious apparel that gave back to the community, promoted the renaissance of the town, and started a conversation about LGBTQIA+ youth and public health. As a result of the popularity of the brand, it seemed only natural for Chef Rai to include his Asbury Park-based culinary business, “Rai’s ‘Infamous’ Kitchen” under the “Infamous Brands inc.” umbrella.
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INTRODUCING...
Chef Rai proudly unveils The Guerra Gourmandise, an exquisite collection of sweet and savory delicacies, meticulously crafted to captivate your senses.
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