Culinary Prodigy Rises to the Top: Chef Ken James Shines on "The Great Food Truck Race"

With a passion for food and a drive to succeed, Lakeland-based business owner Chef Ken James is making waves in the culinary world. The Valencia College Culinary Arts and Hospitality student is currently competing on Food Network's Season 17 of "The Great Food Truck Race" with his catering company-turned-food-truck, Plates On Deck. James has already proven his mettle, winning several prestigious awards, including the Culinary Arts Contest Pro 1st Place at the 2023 FusionFest and the Rapid Fire Challenge First Place at the 2023 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show.

Elevating the Culinary Landscape with Eclectic Soul

Plates on Deck, launched in 2020 in the Central Florida area, offers a unique blend of "eclectic soul" cuisine. The food truck's signature dishes, such as the award-winning passa passa pasta, cajun crab cakes, five-cheese mac, seafood boil, and honey vanilla cornbread, have garnered widespread acclaim. The catering and private chef service also host pop-ups and private events, serving the entire Central Florida region.

Harnessing the Power of Education and Mentorship

Chef Ken James' journey to success has been marked by a dedication to education and a desire to give back to the community. After starting at Valencia College in 2006 and studying Economics, James became a teenage dad, which led him to suspend his education to raise his child and continue working. Now, as a blended family of six children, with two currently in college, James has returned to Valencia College to complete his culinary arts degree.The faculty at Valencia College have been instrumental in James' journey, providing him with the support and guidance he needed to thrive. "Everyone at the campus has been amazing; really great," he says. James recognizes last year's FusionFest as a driving force for his return to the college, where he was able to showcase his culinary prowess and connect with industry professionals.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Culinary Artists

James' passion for food and family has been a driving force throughout his life. He attributes his love for the kitchen and cooking to watching his mother, aunt, grandmother, and even his father prepare meals. This passion has translated into a "basketball coach mentality" as he shares his cooking skills with youth programs.As a former program manager for the local Boys' Club, James has honed his skills as a loving, stern, and relatable mentor, helping to build life skills in the next generation of culinary artists. He believes that everyone has a unique skillset, and by harnessing each player's talent, a strong team can be built. James plans to graduate from Valencia College and then return to educating youth, with the goal of "reaching back and pulling them up," providing opportunities for the next generation of culinary professionals.

Competing for the Grand Prize on "The Great Food Truck Race"

James' culinary journey has taken him to the national stage, as he and his team, Plates on Deck, compete on Food Network's "The Great Food Truck Race." The show pits nine food trucks against each other through challenges during a road trip across the Gulf Coast, with the ultimate prize of a life-changing ,000 grand prize.After a strong start in episode 1, Plates on Deck faced a challenging upset in episode 2, dropping to seventh place. However, James and his team remain determined to compete for the grand prize, showcasing their culinary skills and entrepreneurial spirit on the national stage.

Envisioning a Bright Future for Plates on Deck

The experience on "The Great Food Truck Race" has been a transformative one for James and his team. While contestants were not able to keep the show's trucks, the family-run business is now exploring the possibility of establishing a brick-and-mortar location or a food truck of their own.James' ultimate goal is to inspire his children, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and a strong vision, dreams can become a reality. He hopes that his journey will serve as a testament to the power of perseverance and the endless possibilities within the culinary profession.Fans can follow the journey of Chef Ken James and Plates on Deck by tuning in to "The Great Food Truck Race" on Sundays at 8 p.m. on Food Network. Additionally, they can connect with the team on Instagram @myplatesondeck to stay up-to-date on upcoming pop-up markets and events.