Name: Chef Ramon Jacobsen

Name of Restaurant: Odette in Florence, AL

Restaurant Phone Number: (256) 349-5219

Restaurant Website: odettealabama.com

Where were you born and raised?

Lima, Peru.

What inspired you to become a chef?

My parents. My mom is a cook and my dad is a baker.

Where did you train to become a chef?

I did not go through formal training. I grew up watching my parents cook and bake. I was always involved in their catering business. I’ve been training under Chef Josh Quick at Odette for the last five years.

What others jobs have you worked within the food industry?

My first job was as a dishwasher at a local restaurant. Then I worked as a cook at a local bar for two years before starting at Odette.

What does your typical workday involve?

I get to work between 8 or 9am, I write my to-do list for the day which involves butchery, sauces, braising meats, writing specials, and helping the cooks in the line during lunch and dinner service. I usually get done around 9:30pm and sit down with Chef Josh to talk about the day and upcoming events.

Who is the most notable person you’ve ever cooked for?

All the James Beard Award nominees and winners such as Ashley Christensen, Sean Brock, Kelly Fields, John Besh, Vish Bhatt, etc.

If you could cook for with any celebrity of historical figure (living or dead), who would it be?

Anthony Bourdain.

What are your professional goals?

I have a couple. First, I would like to run my own kitchen in the next five years. Second, I would one day like to have a Latin American restaurant.

If you weren’t a chef, what line of work would you pursue?

Teaching most likely.

What makes Alabama Gulf Seafood special?

It is what we have here at home. It is our own resources. We are blessed to have the Gulf and everything in it. It is ours!