STILL BUZZED ON ROBLE....

So... If you've read my last few posts you should be well aware that I am a HUGE fan of Roble Ali...

 

I definitely have an affinity for the man, but not in that fanatical, crazed, groupie sorta way. I mean... he's handsome, and talented, and funny, and engaging, and stylish, and accomplished, and I really could go on but more than any of those other things he is inspiring! That's it... he inspires me.

 

 

 

I've watched his show since episode 1, season 1. I've since done some research and learned more about his story. He isn't just some fly-by-night phenom nor the latest over night sensation, he's been honing his craft damn near his whole life. Through training, working his way up the rungs, and forging integral relationships (despite his tendency to at times be quite curt) he has parlayed his passion into a lucrative career. As he explains in season 1 of his show, he wanted to do his thing - his way. So he took his life savings, stepped out on faith, worked hard & made it happen! 

  

 

Roble's story isn't necessarily unique, but it is definitely inspiring and it resonates with me because my story is very similar although he's way ahead of me chapter wise.

 

I've worked myself ragged helping million/billion dollar organizations fortify their bottom lines, all while being paid literal peanuts. I managed the day-side logistics/replenishment process in a high performing location of big-box retailer that easily generated more than a million a day in revenue. After that I went to work as a store manager for a well known discount chain where my hours were 10 -16 a day 6-7 days a week, literally. Where I took a store drowning in loss and turned it around in 9 months. This was my last experience as an "employee". I've always known that I wasn't meant to be any one's  employee, but that was the moment I decided that I never would be again.

 

 

With all that said, forging my own path and building my own empire has been a series of exhilarating highs & very trying lows. Yet I persevere, and when I see that next awesome experience/opportunity that Roble is embarking on I get excited and renewed! Why? Not because I get to live vicariously, but because Roble is proof positive that earnest effort and hard work does pay off. 

 

So yes... I am still totally buzzing on having met him, and even more having him acknowledge meeting me!

    

It's not everyday that someone gets the opportunity to me the source of their inspiration. I DID & I'm gonna be buzzing off that for a while... so deal with it! (Lol)

EVERYDAY PEOPLE BRUNCH CHICAGO WITH CHEF ROBLE ALI & SKYY VODKA

If you don't know who Roble Ali is... WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING WITH YOUR LIFE??!!

Not only is he one of the hottest and most talented up and coming chef's, he's the star of his own reality show Chef Roble & Co. which airs on Bravo TV. 

On August 18th together with Skyy Vodka he brought the first ever installment of the Everyday People Brunch to Chicago and Provocative Expression was in the building!

He started the brunch/day party movement in New York with good friends Saada Medny and DJ Moma, which from what I understand, was a simple small get together for extremely diverse group of friends. Since then it has grown to be the ultimate day party experience with a super exclusive guest list in its home state. Roble often touts via his Instagram profile that the monthly New York installment is "invitation only" and if you're privileged enough to be extended actual membership "all we ask is trust". How secret society is that?! More recently the trio of comrades have taken the show on the road making stops in major cities all across the country.

I had a phenomenal time at the brunch. I ate, drank, partied and even got a little networking in. The icing on cake however, was actually meeting Roble and having him compliment the shirt I made especially for this event. My method was crude, I literally accosted the brother as he walked by but hey, you gottta do what you gotta do. (Lol)

 

By the way, if you ever have the opportunity to taste Roble's 'shrimp and grits' do not pass it up! I grew up in a household that favored buttered & sugared grits, so to have something so savory and flavorful just blew my mind.

 

I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next time Roble brunches in Chicago. However, I would love it even more to experience the famed New York event. The only thing better would be to attend the New York event as Roble's special guest.  (You hear that universe?!) I already have tshirt #2 ready to go!

Chef Roble & Co Season 2 - Over So Soon????

 

 

As a die-hard fan of +Roble Ali and his show on Bravo TV; Chef Roble & Co last night was a bittersweet moment. It marked the end of the show's way too short season 2.

 

I caught the first episode of season 1 by chance and was immediately hooked. I mean... here's this handsome, humorous and stylish guy who can cook! Going after his dream to launch a premiere catering and event planning company with a  perspective of "fly or fall". I was impressed to say the least by this positive image of a young black man embarking on such an endeavor.

 

With season 2 came an increased affection for this show and it's ensemble of characters. Roble may be the center, but it's apparent that teamwork makes the dream work. 

 

Aside from a much more intense Roble (and that's putting it mildly), we saw fellow chef's Adam Banks and Che "Gravy" stepping a little more into the spotlight, even launching their own web series dubbed "Bank$ & Gravy"... pretty entertaining stuff!

 

We also saw Jasmine Ali define and establish her role in the company as Event Coordinator. Her clashes and struggles with both Roble and Artie; (Event Director) made for riveting reality tv. In the end it was all love, the events were successful (with one exception), and I often found myself literally cheering by the end of each episode.

 

Sweet treat professional Kiku saw quite a bit of drama this season as well. I was all wrapped up in my feelings watching how the limits of the personal and professional relationships between her and Roble were tested.

 

 

The season finale featured John Legend and Chrissy Teigen. I LOVED this episode for several reasons, but primarily because of the client's attitude and approach regarding the event. It was refreshing to see this beautiful and accomplished woman, with a seemingly great sense of humor, dismiss pretentiousness and just have a good time.

 

If I could lodge any complaints about season 2 of Chef Roble & Co. they would be:

 

* Way too little Shawn Knights! His dancing is right up there with Che and his  

   personal vernacular...

 

*  It was too damn short! Two words; MORE EPISODES!!!

 

*  Last, we had to wait too damn long for it! Get it together Andy Cohen!

 

All and all, I love the show, I adore the cast, and I can't wait for next season. Until then....