Me'Khelle "Chef Markell” Magee Sr was born and raised in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, nestled within the picturesque San Fernando Valley. His roots, however, extended far beyond the California coast, with his mother hailing from the iconic New Orleans 6th Ward, a neighborhood renowned for its historic French Quarters.  Meanwhile, his father's origins lay in the quaint town of Franklinton, Louisiana. It was this diverse heritage that would play a significant role in shaping his culinary journey.

From an early age, Chef Markell found himself captivated by the world of flavors and aromas that filled his family's kitchen. Guided by his mother's expertise and influenced by the rich Creole and Cajun culinary traditions, he took his first steps into the culinary world by lending a helping hand in preparing family dinners. This nurturing environment kindled a deep passion for cooking that would eventually become his life's calling.

In 2003, Chef Markell made a pivotal decision to leave his California roots behind and embark on a new chapter of his life in Las Vegas. Despite holding a strong background in the field of Information Technology, he felt a magnetic pull toward the culinary arts. A year later, in 2004, he followed his heart and transitioned into the foodservice industry. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him rise through the ranks.

For over a decade, Chef Markell honed his skills and expertise as a dedicated kitchen manager at a renowned steakhouse. This intensive experience not only refined his culinary techniques but also deepened his understanding of kitchen operations, customer satisfaction, and the intricate dance that is gastronomy. Yet, life has a way of coming full circle.

In 2014, amidst a successful career in the culinary world, Chef Markell returned briefly to his IT roots. However, the siren call of his true passion proved irresistible. With a burning desire to share his culinary creations with the world, he took to social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Under the Monikers “Chef Markell “, “Das it Spice Co”, “Momos Southern kitchen “, “ Quinns Sweet treats “, and “Southern Fried”. His tantalizing dishes and innovative use of flavors caught the attention of friends, family, and followers alike.

Encouraged by this support, Chef Markell took a bold step and birthed his own brand of sauces and spices under the moniker "Das it Spice Company." This venture was a testament to his dedication to crafting exceptional flavor profiles that resonated with palates far and wide. Yet, his journey was far from over.

Armed with years of experience, a deep love for Southern and Mexican cuisine, and a drive to provide his community with authentic soulful dishes, Chef Markell ventured into the realm of personal chef services and catering offering both traditional southern, and Soul-Mexican Fusions. The response was overwhelming, fueling his confidence to venture even further.

In 2021, during the challenging times brought about by the global COVID-19 pandemic, Chef Markell identified a void in the culinary landscape of Henderson, Nevada. Recognizing an unmet need for high-quality Southern soul food, he boldly started planning and developing the "Southern Fried" food truck. He planned to bring his mobile culinary haven and delectable dishes to the masses, uniting his passion for cooking with his desire to serve his community.

Chef Markell's journey, rich with heritage, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, stands as an inspiring testament to the power of following one's true calling. Through every twist and turn, he has remained steadfast in his commitment to his craft and his community, leaving an indelible mark on the culinary world and the hearts of those he has touched.

 

Creole/Cajun/Mexican/American Chef with a passion for all things food..

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