Curtis Aikens

Chef Curtis Aikens is recognized as one of the original celebrity chefs in the United States, known for educating and entertaining food enthusiasts since the late 1980s. As a former host and founding chef of Food Network, Aikens contributed to the development of culinary television from its inception. After attending Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Aikens moved to California, where he worked at a grocery store in the San Francisco Bay Area and established his first produce company, Peaches. He later relocated to New York to lead the produce departments at Dom's Wholesale Market and at Balducci's, serving clients such as the United Nations Cafeteria, the Plaza Hotel, and the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament. He also founded Aikens Family Produce, Inc., a wholesale and retail supplier with clients including the Rockdale County School System, the TV series "In the Heat of the Night," and the feature film "Glory."

Aikens has hosted several Food Network programs, including "Pick of the Day," "From My Garden," "Meals Without Meat," and "Food in a Flash." He has also appeared on ABC, serving as a regular cast member on "Good Morning America," and has been featured on major networks such as CNN, NBC, and CBS. His television appearances include "Entertainment Tonight," "Live with Regis and Katie Lee," and Hallmark's "Home and Family." Mentored by culinary figures such as Julia Child, Chef Paul Prudhomme, and Edna Lewis, Aikens is among the few chefs featured in Julia Child's kitchen at the Smithsonian. He has made live appearances internationally, including serving as guest chef at the White House for three presidents from both major political parties.

Aikens' personal journey with literacy is a significant aspect of his story. Raised in rural Georgia, he struggled with reading throughout his early education and was accepted into college on a football scholarship while unable to read. He learned to read at age 26 through Literacy Volunteers of America and the Marin County Free Library. With improved literacy skills, Aikens earned a master's degree in education, built a career as a chef and television personality, and authored multiple cookbooks. He donates a portion of the royalties from his books to literacy programs nationwide.

Aikens is the author of books including "Curtis Aikens' Guide to the Harvest" and "Curtis Cooks with Heart and Soul," and has published eight cookbooks. He has received invitations to the White House from four First Ladies, representing Georgia in Mrs. Obama's Kids and Chefs program. In addition to his culinary work, Aikens advocates for literacy and diabetes prevention, focusing on healthy eating and wellness. He leads a garden and culinary program for the Marin County Cooperation Team in Sausalito and Marin City.