Meet Chef Whitney Wood of Recess

Monday, January 2, 2023

Meet Chef Whitney Wood of Recess, the veggie-forward, health-minded eatery with locations in Krog Street Market and Buckhead. Chef Whitney's meal kit, Seared Sirloin with ginger-carrot purée & green bean-potato salad, is on the G&G menu right now. It's the perfect step into a healthy new year! We asked Chef Whitney a few questions about how she got into food and for some at-home cooking tips–keep reading to learn more!

Why did you become a chef? Did you always know you wanted to work with food?

I had no intention of becoming a chef.  I had grown up as a musician so the creative outlet was always there, but I didn't start working in kitchens until I was 20 years old and freshly out of the United States Air Force.  I was living in Destin, Fla., and needed a job, so I started waiting tables at an incredible restaurant on the harbor...needless to say, it was the best food that I had ever experienced and I begged to work in the kitchen! From there on out I knew that there was nothing else I ever wanted to do and had to learn as much as I could about food. 

How would you describe your culinary style?

My culinary style simply focuses on seasonality. I enjoy many different styles from health focused to the land of butter and bacon fat, but each dish, no matter the origin or flavor profile, focuses on the ingredients and how we celebrate them. Clean, strong flavors. 

What’s your favorite tool to use in the kitchen?

Definitely a sharp mandoline. 

What are you doing in Atlanta when you aren’t busy cooking? Any go-to places or activities?

You can always find me at a great karaoke night at the Dark Horse Tavern or looking for a new trail to hike. 

What’s your best piece of advice for home cooks?

My best advice for at home cooks is to keep it simple. Recipes don't have to be daunting, and plates don't have to contain 25 ingredients. Keep it simple, celebrate your ingredients and let them shine without oversaturating your flavors. 

Do you have any tips or tricks for cooking your Steak & Carrot-Ginger Purée recipe?

Biggest tip is to enjoy the process. Set your tone for the evening, pour a glass, throw on some music and just enjoy the process. 

ORDER CHEF WHITNEY'S MEAL KIT >>

Happy New Year!