About
Founded in 2015, Culinary Cliff LLC is a culinary business that celebrates global cuisine, provides elevated dining experiences, and cultivates lasting food memories. Head culinarian Clifford C. Hunt II, affectionately known as Cliff, cooks from his roots in African-American Soul Food and the family members who gave him that foundation as a young boy in their kitchens. A foundation that has been built upon with nearly a decade of professional experience and training.
As seen in…
Culinary Cliff specializes in catering with a focus on dinner parties and personal chef experiences. Additional services include tastings, cooking demonstrations, food and beverage consulting, and cooking classes. Culinary Cliff’s most requested menus feature Soul Food, Comfort Food, Cajun and Creole cuisine, and Caribbean dishes. Other global influences and techniques include Asian, West African, French, Italian, and Latin American.
We pretty much do it all. Like Cliff says, “just keep eating!
Cliff’s global lens is framed by his midwestern roots. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, he was nurtured by parents and family members who believed his future was bright. Those loved ones carried him to Morehouse College where his worldview began to grow, earning a B.A. in International Studies. Cliff’s real-word view also grew while in Atlanta, as tragedy struck with the passing of his mother, Gwendolyn.
Pushing himself in a space of self discovery, Gwen’s words often guided him.
“Life’s not going to get any easier so you better stick with it, buddy!”
Remembering her was important to Cliff. Cooking, something they did together, always made him feel connected to her. Without even noticing, his love for her grew into a love for food. And, his love for food proved to be healing.
“Never say never!”
It was a risk. But it was also a dream. In 2013, Cliff moved to New York City to take cooking from a passion to a profession. He was in nonprofits by day then kitchens at night. After graduating from the International Culinary Center, he officially launched Culinary Cliff LLC. To date, he has served clients across the Greater New York Region!
Cliff is also certified by the Cornell University Food Service Management Program, and is currently enrolled in Tulane University’s Master of Management Program focusing on Entrepreneurial Hospitality. Another hat he is wearing besides that of chef is author! His first cookbook, “Hungry n’ Homesick” was published in 2020.
Gwen’s baby boy is doing her proud.
What People Are Saying
"Excellent host, excellent chef, and all around excellent partner for meal planning and execution at a formal dinner event or for every night cooking with the family.”
—Latanya