When thinking of cities with the biggest growing food scenes in the South, the city of Birmingham, Alabama is starting to be thought of and mentioned along with cities like Atlanta and New Orleans. With the city’s restaurant industry currently booming, the city is getting the recognition that it deserves. There are also creative culinary entrepreneurs like Birmingham’s own, Chef Raymond to blame for the city’s growing food scene. At the age of 31, Raymond Lacey is one on the city’s top private chefs.

Chef Raymond gained interest in the culinary field in 2007 during his junior year of high school. He later graduated from Jefferson State with a culinary degree in 2011. On March 2, 2018, Chef Raymond begin to take thing even more serious and started his owns services under the name of Culinary Innovations.

After being asked to prepare a couple’s dinner on Valentine’s Day 2018, got into specializing in private dining and intimate dinners for couples.

I think they’re more personable. You can be more specific on modifications. You can bring the comfort of great quality food into someone’s home that may have never tried the cuisine that you’re preparing for them and you get to wow them. – Chef Raymond.

Chef Raymond has noted that his greatest rewards and best highlights in his career involves traveling. His talent has allowed him to travel with clients to places like Dominican Republic, California, and Montreal.

I want to let my clients know that I’m in the position I’m in because of them! And I wouldn’t be here without them. I appreciate each and every one of them. Be on the lookout for new menu items, and flavorful additions.