Culinary Competitions, Private Chef Life, & Mental Health in Hospitality with Chef Kisha Washington

What if your favorite dish could do more than just taste good—what if it could spark change?

In this episode, Nick Elliott sits down with the unforgettable Chef Kisha Washington—a private chef and culinary changemaker blending butter-basted salmon with bold mental health advocacy.

From curating intimate dining experiences to founding the Cook’s Creed Foundation, Kisha opens up about how food can heal, connect, and transform lives—both in the kitchen and beyond.

Inside this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why private chefs are more accessible than you think—and how Kisha tailors unforgettable dining experiences
• The emotional toll of kitchen life and the urgent need for mental health support in hospitality
• How Cook’s Creed Foundation was born from personal tragedy and became a movement
• Kisha's go-to tools for every home cook (hint: they’re not all ingredients)
• Award-winning wine and food pairings—from Pinot Noir with steak to Sauvignon Blanc with salmon
• Where to eat and sip in Northern Virginia wine country
• What to expect from her book Cultivating Healthy Minds and the bold topics she’s tackling in Volume 2

Whether you're a food lover, an aspiring chef, or someone who believes in the power of purpose, this conversation will stay with you.

 

Connect with Kisha:

Chef Kisha Washington: thekeyingredientllc.com

Nonprofit: https://www.cookzcreedfoundation.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkish_dyan/