Chef Mia
~Plated to Perfection~
~Plated to Perfection~
This past November during DC’s first Black Restaurant Week, Copa Style magazine had the pleasure of meeting culinary artists from around the city in every Ward. Nestled along 14th Street next door to Marvins, a favorite DC eatery, was a quaint, contemporary black-owned restaurant complete with DJ called Diet Starts Monday. The name itself caught the attention of our lifestyle correspondent, J Nicole. She spent some time getting to know the owner, Kevin Hallums or “Unkle Scooty”, a native Washingtonian, who has businesses all over the United States and abroad from Miami to Brazil. We sat down with them to learn more about the brand and the Executive Chef Mia.
Copa Style Magazine had a sit-down with Chef Mia of Plated Perfection, LLC to discuss how she is bringing the flavor to DC’s premier culinary scene in this edition of Culinary Spotlight!
By J. Nicole
Copa Style Magazine Lifestyle Correspondent
Copa Style Magazine Lifestyle Correspondent
Copa: Diet Starts Monday is such a cool name. Chef Mia, tell us your story.
Chef Mia: Diet Starts Monday is a clothing line brand out of California and is owned by my cousin Kevin who is known among celebrities as “Unkle Scooty.” He decided to take the brand and expand it to food. The brand has done very well in LA and currently caters primarily to celebrities. We are furthering the brand to the North East corridor of DC and will be opening another venture in the city soon. It’s a surprise so more to come!
As for me, I am Mianka Wilkins aka Chef Mia owner of Plated Perfection, LLC. I started eating before I started cooking! I specialized in tasting as a child for my grandparents; the Sunday dinner menu was my specialty. Around the age of 10, I began cooking with my grandparents, and I have been in the kitchen ever since. Without formal training, I started my commercial culinary experience “on the line” at various restaurants through college in West Palm Beach, FL as a hospitality major. Although I enjoyed working directly with customers at the "front of the house" providing excellent hospitality service, working in the kitchen is where I thrived. Upon graduation, I then realized I should have pursued my passion in culinary school.
After college, I returned to Washington, D.C. and began working in a local church culinary program under the tutelage of Chef Candie Gardner. While maintaining a full-time career as a residential property manager, I began my next phase at Diet Starts Monday on 14th Street, NW DC as an intern under Chef Jordan RedBeard. After about eight months, Chef RedBeard relocated to Los Angeles, CA and I was promoted to Executive Chef. I was honored to take on this exciting opportunity and create beautiful plates that put a smile on our customer’s faces.
Chef Mia: Diet Starts Monday is a clothing line brand out of California and is owned by my cousin Kevin who is known among celebrities as “Unkle Scooty.” He decided to take the brand and expand it to food. The brand has done very well in LA and currently caters primarily to celebrities. We are furthering the brand to the North East corridor of DC and will be opening another venture in the city soon. It’s a surprise so more to come!
As for me, I am Mianka Wilkins aka Chef Mia owner of Plated Perfection, LLC. I started eating before I started cooking! I specialized in tasting as a child for my grandparents; the Sunday dinner menu was my specialty. Around the age of 10, I began cooking with my grandparents, and I have been in the kitchen ever since. Without formal training, I started my commercial culinary experience “on the line” at various restaurants through college in West Palm Beach, FL as a hospitality major. Although I enjoyed working directly with customers at the "front of the house" providing excellent hospitality service, working in the kitchen is where I thrived. Upon graduation, I then realized I should have pursued my passion in culinary school.
After college, I returned to Washington, D.C. and began working in a local church culinary program under the tutelage of Chef Candie Gardner. While maintaining a full-time career as a residential property manager, I began my next phase at Diet Starts Monday on 14th Street, NW DC as an intern under Chef Jordan RedBeard. After about eight months, Chef RedBeard relocated to Los Angeles, CA and I was promoted to Executive Chef. I was honored to take on this exciting opportunity and create beautiful plates that put a smile on our customer’s faces.
Copa: There are over 2,000 restaurants in DC and several hundred caterers and catering services. What makes your cuisine different?
Chef Mia: I am from the DMV, so my food reflects my city. Also, I spent time in the more region of the United States and often infuse the “down-home southern flavor” in my dishes. The collaboration of flavors that represent the DMV and “the south” is how I stand out. You may find that in a restaurant but not on one plate. That is why I created my business PlatedPerfection to bring the two cultures together.
Chef Mia: I am from the DMV, so my food reflects my city. Also, I spent time in the more region of the United States and often infuse the “down-home southern flavor” in my dishes. The collaboration of flavors that represent the DMV and “the south” is how I stand out. You may find that in a restaurant but not on one plate. That is why I created my business PlatedPerfection to bring the two cultures together.
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Copa: Tell us more about creating a brand with your food.
Chef Mia: Absolutely! “We do food just 4 you!" That is our motto. PlatedPerfection offers homestyle comfort cuisine. We also provide custom culinary sessions in which clients can learn how to prepare meals within the convenience of their own home. Due to my strong hospitality background, I ensure each client feels that their experience is tailored to their needs. You can taste the love in every bite! The PlatedPerfection experience is one of a kind because of it.
Chef Mia: Absolutely! “We do food just 4 you!" That is our motto. PlatedPerfection offers homestyle comfort cuisine. We also provide custom culinary sessions in which clients can learn how to prepare meals within the convenience of their own home. Due to my strong hospitality background, I ensure each client feels that their experience is tailored to their needs. You can taste the love in every bite! The PlatedPerfection experience is one of a kind because of it.
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Copa: How can our readers find you?
Chef Mia: Follow me on Instagram @platedperfection. I can always be reached at [email protected].
Chef Mia: Follow me on Instagram @platedperfection. I can always be reached at [email protected].
Copa: Buon Cibo…here’s to “good eats.” Thank you, Chef Mia!
If you wish to be featured in our Culinary Spotlight, please contact [email protected].
If you wish to be featured in our Culinary Spotlight, please contact [email protected].
~Copa