A first-generation American of African and Caribbean descent, Chef Cynthia Chea Pean focuses on nutrient-dense, disease-fighting cuisine featuring ingredients, techniques, and flavors of the African diaspora. As an avid traveler throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States, she takes every opportunity to expose herself to native foods and local traditions, adapting her recipes to honor the history and communities behind them.
Her innovative and unique globally inspired cuisine is beloved by A-list Hollywood celebrities, Tastemakers, and political icons.
An actor who began his career struggling on Broadway as a single father of 3 children, Curtiss first caught the bug for acting early in life in his hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Following his passion, he put everything he had into solidifying his future career as an actor. Curtiss became the first American to receive a full-ride scholarship to London’s prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. He then moved to NYC and began performing on Broadway, including in productions of “The Lion King” and “Miss Saigon.” Despite being a single father of 3 children, Curtiss received encouragement and help from his family to audition for television and film and is now best known for projects including ARBITRAGE, THE INTERPRETER, and SHUTTER ISLAND, along with roles in series such FX’s “Mayans MC,” NBC’s “Manifest” as Netflix’s “House of Cards,” “Luke Cage” and “Narcos,” to name a few. He is most known for his character “Douda” on the hit Showtime series The Chi. And although he is extremely grateful for the accolades he is accumulating, his most important role is being a father.
RECIPE
Quinoa Fried Rice
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked Quinoa (refrigerated overnight)
DO NOT USE FRESHLY COOKED QUINOA
1/4 small Onion – chopped
2 large Carrots – peeled and diced
1/2 cup Frozen Peas
Heaping handful – Snowpeas
Heaping handful – Bean sprouts
3 Scallions/Green Onion – thinly sliced
3 Garlic cloves- minced
1 tablespoon Ginger – minced
4 tablespoons Toasted Sesame oil
1 tsp Five Spice Seasoning
1 tsp Low Sodium Soy Sauce
Appliances/Utensils – Heavy bottom fry pan. Cast iron skillet is perfect!
