Meet Shelby McFarlane | Chef

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby McFarlane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a military brat. I traveled to a lot of countries with my family because of that. My father is also originally from Jamacia so traveling has dramatically impacted my life. Although I am not able to travel as often as I like, I love it. Love being exposed to different cultures and cuisines and learning about a country’s history. It’s also helped me as a chef and incorporating new flavors in dishes and encouraged me to go beyond prepping the dish but also the history of it.

What should our readers know about your business?
My journey in hospitality started out a little bit different. I started off in college studying dietetics and after working at the University Medical Center for four years, I realized I wanted to teach people about nutrition and how to eat in a different way. So, I switched my major to Nutrition with an emphasis on food science and once I graduated, I started culinary classes at Pima Community College. I love being in the kitchen. I enjoy cooking and baking, but baking is definitely my passion. I am currently working with Pima Community College on menu ad recipe development for the upcoming restaurants and I am even able to use my nutrition knowledge. One thing I have learned is to trust myself and the process more because that is want has helped me get far but I know I can go further. I want the world to know that food tells a story about history, nutrition, and cultures and it’s meant to bring people together and start a conversation and I hope to bring that to people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, I would have them come to Tucson in late February/early March. That’s the perfect weather for hiking up Seven Falls and we would have a picnic up there and some drinks before heading back down. We would check out the farmer’s markets and go to dinner at Obon Sushi Bar, one of my favorites. If they are here for long enough, we would also go to the Tucson Festival of Books. There are a lot of hidden gems around Tucson, like the Botanical Gardens and the Gas Light Theatre, and events like Tucson Festival of Books, Tucson Meet Yourself, and the 4th street fair where you are able to meet exciting people and see a lot of the things Tucson has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate this to my family and friends who have helped push me and encouraged me. Jewel Miduea, who I consider a mentor, has pushed me into comfortable positions that have made me stronger and shown me that I truly have a love for hospitality and nutrition and that there’s room for both in my career.

Instagram: sh3lby_nichol3

Linkedin: Shelby McFarlane

Image Credits
Shelby McFarlane