An Interview with Chicago’s Chef Judson Todd Allen

By: Charles Mombo

Personally I believe that being a chef is all about using passion, experiences, and creativity to offer eating EXPERIENCES to people. We are artists that create beautifully crafted foods that speak to the palate.

No wonder Chicago native, Chef Judson Todd Allen's motto is “Transforming the way you think and feel about healthy cuisine," he realized at a very young age his passion for preparing exquisite cuisine. This love for food, led him to major in Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree.

Having struggled with weight issues for a large part of his life, "Chef Judson Todd Allen" experienced a significant 70 plus pound weight gain during his college years. After graduation, he decided it was time to apply his advanced knowledge in food science and nutrition and thus began his personal journey towards adopting a healthy lifestyle change. Over a 2-year period, he was able to loose over 100 lbs. Dispelling the myth that healthy food is unpalatable, “Chef Judson Todd Allen”, was able to bring life, creativity and flavor to healthy cuisine and introduced this concept to others. He started Healthy Infused Cuisine, LLC in 2007, which offers healthy upscale/gourmet cuisine through meal delivery, personal chef, and cuisine services. His mission is to transform the way people think and feel about healthy cuisine.

Enthusiastically serving as personal chef to some of Chicago’s most elite, “Chef Judson Todd Allen” operates with a spirit of humility, excellence and professionalism. He has been afforded the opportunity to offer cuisine services for such clients as NFL Player Donovan McNabb, Radio Personalities Doug Banks and DeDe McGuire, National Recording Gospel Group Shekinah Glory Ministries of Kingdom Records.

With aspiration of bringing his personality and love for food to television, “Chef Judson Todd Allen” has auditioned for shows such as FOX TV’s Master Chef and The Food Networks 24 Hour Restaurant Battle. Most recently he was named a semi-finalist for both the Food Network’s hit show, “The Next Food Network Star Season 6” and Oprah Winfrey’s Network Show Competition “Your OWN Show”.

My background is a bit unique. I did not go to your traditional culinary school rather; I received my bachelors of science degree in Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also received a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Chef Judson Todd Allen” has also completed a Master of Science in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is currently completing a Master of Business Administration program at DePaul University, Kellstadt Graduate School of Business in Entrepreneurship.

Chocolate City's (CC) Charles Mombo recently caught up with Chef Judson Todd Allen (JA) to conduct the following interview:

CC: Chef Judson , did you cook growing up?

JA: Growing up my life was all about food…more so EATING IT, than cooking it back in the day. LOL… however; with the help of my grandparents who both had very unique culinary points of view, I was able to learn a great deal!

CC: What does it mean to be a chef?

JA: Personally I believe that being a chef is all about using passion, experiences, and creativity to offer eating EXPERIENCES to people. We are artists that create beautifully crafted foods that speak to the palate.

CC:: What made you decide to become a professional cook?

JA: Food is my life. I am so into food that I majored in Food Science in High School and in College. My passion lies in not only making food beautiful, but also creating and defining flavors that change the way people think and feel about food. I believe food, business and television are my callings in life; it is truly where my Destiny lies!!!!

CC: Where you were trained and how difficult was your training?

JA: My background is a bit unique. I did not go to your traditional culinary school rather; I received my bachelors of science degree in Food Science and Nutrition from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I also received a Master of Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

I believe that my culinary passion and gift are innate within me and while I have trained with some amazing chefs,

CC: If any, what celebrity have you prepared food for and where?

JA: I had the opportunity to provide the cuisine for Donovan McNabb and his family. Awesome opportunity!!!!

CC: Best piece of advice you would give a home enthusiast?

JA: Always have a great time when preparing food and use preparation process as an opportunity to engage family and friends!!!!! There should always be so much love in the kitchen!!!!!

CC: Best cooking tip for a novice?

JA: Be as creative as your mind will allow you and always think outside of the box when it comes to flavors and ingredients.

CC: What is your favorite kitchen gadget?

JA: My favorite kitchen gadget to date has got to be my Kitchen Aid Mixer in Black. I have been able to create some amazing dishes with this, from desserts to homemade sausage.

CC: What is your favorite food to cook with?

JA: Everyone who knows me, knows I love cheese! So it’s only fitting that my favorite food to cook with be all different types of cheese.

CC:: When at home, what do you like to eat?

JA: I must say, while I do have a sophisticated palate and love cooking for others, when I’m at home I sometimes keep it simple with banana and peanut butter sandwiches and Granola w/ Raisins and Almond Milk!!!

CC: What is your favorite cookbook?

JA: I am really loving Chef Art Smith’s cookbook right now!

CC: If you had any advice for Soul Food restaurant owners what would it be?

JA: As health continues to an area of importance, I would advice Soul Food restaurant owners to think about healthier yet flavorful options for customers.

CC: Chef Judson, you debuts your Live Cooking Show on Saturday Nov. 6th @ Kenmore Live Studio 678 N. Wells at 6pm what can you tell us about this show?

JA: Oh yes! I am so excited about the opportunity to debut my first live cooking show with Kenmore.

It will be an An Evening of BOLD Tastes, ELECTRIFYING Fun, & AMAZING Music.

For generations we have been fascinated by food. Our love affair with great cuisine extends far beyond its physical beauty. We are in awe of its tantalizing aroma, we marvel at its exquisite ingredients and flavors, and are dazzled by its versatility.

Join me on Saturday, November 6, 2010 (6pm) at Kenmore Live Cooking Studio located at 678 North Wells, as he shows you the art of building flavors one ingredient at a time! You will be mesmerized at how simple it is to build out-of-the-box flavors that speak to the mind, body and spirit. Indulge in few of Chef’s signature dishes, including Creole Inspired Stuffed Shrimp and Grits, Chicken EnCroute, and Thai Influenced Vegetable Red Curry.

This A-List event will feature the sounds of Raphael Smith & Whitney Keaton. As the lead background vocalists for R&B sensations Estelle and Alicia Key’s, this dynamic duo will blow your mind with their powerhouse voices.

Co-hosted by actor and comedian, Kashuna, this will truly be an unforgettable evening!!!

CC: What is your favorite soul food?

JA: My favorite soul food dish is dressing and macaroni and cheese! Oh yes I love me some carbs! Shhhhhh don’t tell anyone though. LOL

CC: Chef Judson, thanks for finding time out of your very busy schedule to sit and talk with us.

JA: No, thank you!!! I greatly appreciate the interview and see you on November 6^th.

Chef Judson can be contacted at:

Judson Todd Allen
Healthy Infused Cuisine, LLC
(708) 660-0443 – Office
(217) 390-5726 – Cellular

judsonallen@me.com