Chef Kwame Williams

FRESH, CREATIVE; JAMAICAN.

Kwame Williams is a private chef, catering to high-end clients in the tri-state area. Chef Kwame once held the role of Chef and Partner of Vital Dining (Vital), based in Montclair, NJ. Along with his two sisters, Nataki and Kanika, Vital focused on offering a modern and nutritional take on Jamaican cuisine. 

After graduating from the Institute of Culinary Education in 2006, he began his culinary career at The Ryland Inn. This experience provided Chef Kwame with an exceptional foundation and set his standard of excellence for years to come. He continued his career working at fine dining establishments, including Rat’s, The Bernards’ Inn, and Pleasantdale Chateau. 

Chef Kwame has also competed and won on the Food Network’s cooking competition, Cooks vs. Cons in 2016. In 2018, the James Beard House invited Kwame to cook a Caribbean themed dinner. 

As a devoted father of three, he sees the impression that his food choices have on children. In his free time, he supports youth-based initiatives, such as No Kid Hungry, Edible Schoolyard, and Montclair Community Farms.  Kwame also contributed to the James Beard Foundation's cookbook, Waste Not, bringing awareness to food waste and sustainability.  

Because of his advocacy, the James Beard Foundation invited Kwame to their Chef's Boot Camp.  Chef Kwame continues to encourage aspiring chefs to strengthen their culinary voice.