I lost a friend at the end of March and I would like to pay an overdue tribute to him here on Afrobella. I featured him and his recipes so often in this space. He showed up for me time and time again.
I want to pay homage to Chef Julius Russell as the man that I knew.
Any number of online obituaries will outline his accomplishments — acclaimed chef and caterer who gained his culinary foundation at the New Orleans School of Cooking and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and was crowned the Best Caterer in Chicago by Uptown Magazine in 2012. His catering company, A Tale of Two Chefs, was well known and beloved for popular local pop-up events and appearances where flavorful food was always at the forefront.
Chef Julius Russell had a big smile and a bold, dynamic personality, he was generous with his knowledge and he made recipes that aligned with who he was. Big flavors, unique combinations.
We became friendly when I moved to Chicago. I think we met in 2010 or 2011. His wife Jada Russell and I worked together so many times and in so many ways to promote Black hair and Black culture in Chicago, New York, Washington DC — wherever we could. And Chef Julius was always cooking it up behind — and often in front of — the scene.
If I turned on the morning TV news, I wouldn’t be surprised to find Chef Julius chopping it up with the anchors – he appeared regularly on WGN and more.
If there was a unique pop-up restaurant experience to be had, he was the man stirring it up and checking in with the crowd to make sure we were enjoying every bite.
At the Taste of Chicago for many years, you could find him in the big tent creating recipes and inspiring enthralled audiences. Every year a group of us visited to support Chef and Jada.
If I had an opportunity to feature a chef in an article about Chicago, he was my guy. Actually my most recent piece for TripAdvisor features a walking tour of his favorite places to eat in Bronzeville – check that out. I hope it stays on their site for a while.
He shared his recipes often right here, from Thanksgiving menu favorites to his spin on red beans and rice. He came to our home and cooked for my parents, and that meant the world to them. Ever since, on every trip to Trinidad, my dad sends a gift back for Chef.
We recently reconnected and had a really impactful, moving, and necessary conversation. I’m so grateful for that. It’s so surreal and strange to write about such a dynamic person in past tense. I’m still shaken and having a hard time accepting that he’s gone.
My heart goes out to his mom, his sister Daveda, as well as anyone who knew and loved Julius Russell. He was funny, warm hearted, open to sharing his opinions, and just an unforgettable man of character. To say he will be missed is an understatement.
Visit A Tale of Two Chefs site to support the Tale of Two Chefs Culinary Arts Fund. Your donations will support the education and professional development of emerging Black chefs in the Chicagoland area.
In case you wanted to read more or try one of his recipes, check out the following links:
Chef Julius Red Beans and Rice recipe
Chef Julius’ Pecan Crusted Shrimp recipe
Chef Julius and Jada’s favorite High Style Shrimp Pasta recipe
Chef Julius Goat Cheese Cornbread and Cauliflower Supreme recipes
Julius Russell, personal chef and caterer to Ye, Dwyane Wade, dies at 53
Rolling Out – World-renowned and beloved chef Julius Russell has died
WGN – Chef, and friend to WGN, Julius Russell dies at 53
