On June 22, 1987, Hotel Dieu Hospital, in New Orleans, LA,  He was born a Hubbard. Raised 'Uptown' in the Magnolia Projects and later the Garden district. He's always had a dream to travel the world, but not so soon. Fast forward to 17 years later, August 2005, for "Chef", Hurricane Katrina was like that mother that you never understood why she did the things she did. Maybe she kicked you out as soon as you made your 18th birthday. Maybe you wished for a different mother or even a different life. Not until you realize that she didn't only force you out of everything you ever known, but she forced you to find out what your purpose is in this lifetime. Through that he's learned that gratitude can be given in all situations. 

Le Cordon Bleu - 2011

2005 was the beginning of a major turning point in Chef TKM's journey. He had lost his home, his friends, his way of life as he knew it.  Hurricane Katrina ran through New Orleans with no remorse. On the contrary, she gave him the life he is so proud to have. Forced out of his comfort zone, TaReef found solace in his love for the unparalleled cuisine from his home. He started waiting tables at his favorite restaurants, and often he helped out prepping in the kitchen. 

Although cooking has always been a part of his family, he went on to perfect his craft and learn how to prepare dishes from around the globe. His formal education was completed at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Orlando, FL in 2011. Knife Skills was his favorite class, and it definitely shows through how comfortable he is with a knife. 

Flooded Again - 2016 

Chef moves back to Louisiana; he began to work at the Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro on St. Charles Avenue as a line cook. After which he moved to Houston Texas where he's worked in Chinese restaurants, Thai restaurants, Asian Fusion restaurants learning and working his way up to Lead Line Cook. He considers his cooking style to be Creole- Asian fusion and has been practicing this style almost exclusively. Chef also became a Muhammad during that time as well, but that's another story for another time,

Chef TKM moves back home to be closer to his family. Almost consistently he had been told that he was too experienced, or they couldn't pay him what he deserved.  He went back to waiting tables to make ends meet and to free up time to spend with his family.  

In August of 2016, Louisiana begins to flood from constant down pour. He then decided that he was not going to bring himself or his family through another Hurricane Katrina experience, so TaReef moved his family to Colorado.

Aurora, Colorado - 2020

Moving to Colorado was a very well thought out plan. Better schools for the kids. There was also better pay (so he thought), and legal marijuana so people are generally happier. Working in the hospitality industry out in Colorado pays just about the same as it does in New Orleans, but the cost of living is two times that of New Orleans. There's no math. He has worked at a few Asian restaurants and picked up some Italian experience on the way while in Colorado, but cooking was not covering the bills. 

He went into the production/manufacturing industry to be able to take care of his family. It was paying the bills, but he wasn't fulfilled. So, he quit the plant job after 3 yrs. He decided to drive Uber and Lyft and still have time to prepare beautifully, elevated food for his family and friends. 

This Is It.... - Present

Although Colorado was everything and the greatest experience ever, "Chef" has since moved back home and now doing his thing in Virginia Beach. This is all he has ever wanted to do. His passion, His way. 

TKM has provided his experience at many private events since moving back home and now Virginia Beach and has also traveled to other major cities to showcase the "Chef TKM Experience." The pandemic brought Live streaming and he has blown up and has gained a huge following he never saw coming.