Grow Fresh Local Food will host another round of pop up restaurant fun beginning with Haitian Nation on Thursday, August 13th, and Friday, August 14th.
The popular series gives aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase their skills within the parameters of a professional kitchen amid the real-life pacing of a working restaurant. For Ruth Choute, it’s a chance to share her heritage and live her dream.
“My greatest influence and inspiration in the kitchen is definitely the time I spent at my mother’s side as she prepared food,” says Choute, the third of five children born to Haitian parents, and the first to be born in America.
“I remember being at least five-years-old trying to crane my neck to see what my mom was adding to the pot. At the time, I did not understand what the significance of her techniques were, but years later as I watched cooking programs on television, I did.”
Ruth’s mother passed away from cancer in 2016, but not before encouraging her daughter to pursue her culinary goals.
“One of the final conversations we had was about me following my dreams and not being deterred by fear of failure,” shares Ruth.
Now, after a decade of teaching students with special needs, Ruth is excited to take her passion to the next level. But a restaurant could be only the beginning.
“In addition to wanting to open a Haitian restaurant, I am interested in marketing my own line of homemade fresh seasonings, condiments, and sauces,” reveals Ruth. “I have also been thinking about producing a cookbook of Haitian cuisine to guide others in making the foods that I enjoy cooking. I don’t know what the future holds, but I hope it is filled with opportunities to share some delicious food!”
Haitian Nation returns to Grow, 1019 Riverside Dr, Macon, on August 13th & 14th from 11am-3pm. Drive-thru will be available while Dine-in will be limited and require masks. Pre-order through Facebook Messenger or call 478-743-4663.
