Meet the Chef: Shadaé Williams

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

We are thrilled to introduce G&G's newest contributing chef, Shadaé Williams! Keep your eye out for Shadaé's name on our menu, starting with her Crying Tiger Steak meal kit, which will be on the menu 4/3–4/9. We asked Shadaé a few questions about her cooking style and inspirations—keep reading to learn more about one of the chefs behind your meal kits!

1. Tell us about your brand, Measure Up! How did you land on the name?

Measure Up is my brand that I started in 2020 that much like the other brands that started that year was born out of the extra time I found due to being at home during quarantine due to Covid. It started just as a hobby, and my friends and family would tell me that I needed to expand and reach out to brands, but I was always nervous that my work wasn’t up to par. That was until brands started reaching out to me showing the value in my work! Not only was this very exciting, but also confirmed the name of my brand, leaning into the fact that you don’t have to try to measure up to other chefs, home cooks, or recipes that you see beautifully presented online. What’s most important is being able to share and connect with others through not just a daily necessity but a practice that can be both culturally significant and have lasting impacts on community!

Check out Shadaé's Measure Up Instagram here.

2. Describe your cooking style in three words. 

Diverse, vibrant, comforting! 

3. How did you first get started in the food world? 

I’ve always loved to cook since I was younger, starting from as early as seven learning how to make food that I saw my parents cooking in the kitchen a lot. Also as having a Jamaican American background, cooking is a huge part of our culture so naturally once I started to discover the world of recipe development and content creation it seemed like such an exciting way to showcase one of my passions 

4. What are you biggest inspirations when it comes to cooking and writing new recipes? 

Definitely other cultures and how they intertwine with one another! I love showcasing the interconnectedness of different cultural food practices through my recipes! Also, I love making meals that are approachable, but still might take someone a little out of their comfort zone. 

5. What is the one kitchen tool that you couldn’t go without? 

A good chef’s knife. 

6. Can you give us your best piece of advice for home cooks? 

Even though it is more so for professional kitchens, mise en place is the best way to cook when you have the time. Organizing and prepping your ingredients beforehand makes making a recipe so much easier! 

7. If you were a fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why? 

Definitely a mango! Because it’s bright and vibrant and is best in the summer! You can use it both savory and sweet! And of course because it’s one of Jamaicas best fruits!