About
Chef Tara
"Hi, my name is Tara! What's yours?" No matter where I am, that's how I begin conversations.
Why did I choose the name Akira's Kitchen? Well, it's quite simple. It's a blend of letters from the names of individuals that hold a special place in my heart.
Now, a little insight into who I am:
I was born in Africa, in the country of Malawi, but our family relocated to London in 1973. Initially, the transition was challenging, coming from a warm climate to a chilly one, but over time, London became my home. My mother was a culinary virtuoso who prepared everything from scratch—daily vegetarian meals, savory snacks, and delightful Indian sweets. She loved hosting guests and made sure to serve at least chai and snacks to anyone who visited. This experience greatly influenced my appreciation for food and hospitality.
I lived in London for two decades, completed my education, got married, and had my first child there. In 1992, my family and I made the life-changing decision to move to the USA, where I welcomed my son. Throughout my life, I've been self-employed, but my culinary journey truly began in my 30s when I realized that the Indian food I cherished from London was scarce in the US. Determined to reconnect with those flavors, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, teaching myself to cook. Gradually, I not only learned to cook but also developed my own unique recipes.
In 2007, I faced a significant setback when I fell ill, suffering from what is known as vaga vagal syncope. This ailment caused me to lose a substantial portion of my memories, including many culinary skills. With unwavering support from my family, I painstakingly relearned the basics of cooking. It was a challenging period, but I was determined to regain my culinary prowess. Slowly but surely, I found my way back to where I wanted to be in life.
Today, I'm embarking on an exciting journey of hosting supper clubs in Greenville, South Carolina. Whether your dinner is at our venue or your home, you are sure to enjoy a delicious meal with superb company. A supper club, to me, is more than just a meal; it's an opportunity to invite a select group of guests to enjoy a multi-course dining experience paired with wine. It's about creating a personal connection through food, drinks, and conversation. I take pleasure in sharing the stories behind each dish, its origins, and the techniques used in its preparation. Most importantly, it's a chance to meet wonderful people and foster connections over the shared love of food.
Welcome to Akira's Kitchen. Join me on this culinary adventure, where we savor the flavors of India and beyond while forging new friendships and lasting memories.