- derrick@thewellkeptchef.com
- Open Hours: Mon - Fri 8.00 am - 7.00 pm
Meet Chef Derrick
Meet the Chef
Chef Derrick Lewis is not just any personal chef – he is a testament to the transformative power of passion and resilience. Having journeyed from a 13-year-old boy cooking scrambled eggs to a respected professional gracing the kitchens of multiple fine dining establishments in Orlando, Florida to the head Chef of Well Kept Services, LLC.
As a boy growing up in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Derrick Lewis says he and his family did ‘what we do best when we could, which is fishing, hunting, work, school, church, and cooking.’ It was that latter that inspired the young man, whose mother is also a chef, to embark upon his own culinary career when the time came (excerpt from Vie Magazine).
Chef Lewis’ culinary journey is as varied as it is fascinating, with a rich tapestry of experiences contributing to his unique food approach. Meet the man behind the dish, Chef Derrick Lewis.
1999
Macon, GA
Chef Derrick begins his culinary journey
At the tender age of 13, Derrick Lewis made his first foray into cooking, mastering the art of making scrambled eggs.
Early 2000's
Tuscaloosa, AL
Experimental main courses emerge
Inspired by the simplicity of baked fish, Derrick experimented with baked tilapia, igniting a passion for culinary diversity.
2001-2003
Tuscaloosa, AL
Derrick enters the classroom
Derrick began spending his weekends learning about grilling and smoking meat with his father. He appreciated the whole process, from the smell of the burning wood to the marinade-soaked ribs on the grill. These weekends were not just about cooking, but also about bonding and learning from his father.
Early 2000's - 2013
Richmond, VA
Laying the foundation
Derrick moved from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Richmond, Virginia, where he found success in the fashion industry, heading a Hugo Boss boutique and contributing to Richmond Fashion Week. This is where he got his notable fashion taste!
December 2013
Tuscaloosa, AL
Death in the family
The death of Derrick's father led him to reevaluate his life. He moved back home and embarked on a new journey to become a firefighter.
2015
Tuscaloosa, AL
Firefighting reignites culinary passion
After graduating from fire college, Derrick came up with the idea of combining his culinary passion with his profession by owning a food truck as a firefighter.
2017
Tuscaloosa, AL
Derrick attends Culinard at Virginia College
Derrick decided to deepen his culinary knowledge and respect for the art of cooking by joining Culinard at Virginia College in Birmingham. He also started working in a kitchen for the first time at "Side by Side" in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which gave him practical experience alongside his theoretical studies.
Summer 2018
Orlando, FL
Mom! I'm going to Disney!
Derrick graduated from culinary school, got accepted into the Disney program, and moved to Orlando to pursue his culinary dreams.
February 2019
Winter Park, FL
Derrick expands his horizons
Derrick began working at LUMA in Winter Park, Florida, where he expanded his culinary skills, learning about complex dishes and cuisines.
2020- 2021
Orlando, FL
Lockdown is blessing in disguise
Derrick found an opportunity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, as the Haitian community in Orlando embraced him. They hired him for multiple catering jobs, which provided him with both income and experience.
2020- 2022
Baldwin Park, FL
The 5-star Chef Emerges
Derrick worked at Luke’s & The Osprey in Baldwin Park, enhancing his culinary skills further.
November 2021
Orlando, FL
The meal that changed his life forever
Derrick got the opportunity to prepare a dish for Kris Moon, the President & COO of the James Beard Foundation, which led to a connection with the Foundation.
June 2022
Orlando, FL
Mentee to Mentor
Derrick was accepted into the James Beard Foundation Legacy Mentee Program. The program, partnered with Woodford Reserve, led to a collaboration with Darnell Edmonds from Woodford Reserve to cater food pairings with their bourbon.
July 2022
Port St Lucie, FL
Well Kept Services is born
Riding the wave of confidence and opportunities, Derrick launched his own LLC. And Well Kept Services is born.
October 2022
Alys Beach, FL
First Annual Sip & Sense Event
Derrick catered for the first Woodford Reserve “Sip & Sense” dinner at Alys beach for a wine festival, showcasing his culinary talents on a larger platform.
June 2023
National Magazine
Featured Press: Vie Magazine
Derrick was featured in an article by VIE magazine written by editor, Jordan Staggs, who had attended the “Sip & Sense” dinner. The article was an affirmation of his journey so far, and he continues to strive to recreate those moments of culinary magic.
