Step Up’s Chef Chat, posted each week leading up to Shine & Dine, features discussions with Chicago’s top chefs who will be offering exclusive tastings at the August 7 culinary event benefiting Step Up’s programs that ignite girls to fulfill their potential. Today’s edition highlights Lee Ann Whippen from Chicago q and Toni Jones Dixon from nUM yUMMIES.
Lee Ann Whippen
You’re starving – what’s the first thing you reach for? Pig Powder Chips!
What’s your signature dish? My Competition Ribs, available in Baby Back or St. Louis Style. This recipe is the one I compete with on the circuit and is available in the restaurant.
When you’re not in the kitchen, what’s your recipe for relaxing? Grilling outside on my patio, or fishing.
My first job was…I was a model in New York City.
When I was 15 I was…waterskiing in the summer. Snowskiing in the winter.
My mentor is…My dad, Jim Tabb, who is also a BBQ competitor.
Something that inspires me is…When I go out to a restaurant and I have something unusual. I always go home and try to recreate it, while putting my own spin on it.
Lee Ann Whippen is a naturally recognized BBQ Pitmaster and Chef/Partner of Chicago q, an upscale urban BBQ restaurant in Chicago, known for serving her award winning “Competition Ribs” and other barbecue favorites.
Lee Ann is no stranger when it comes to barbecue and touts myriad awards and accolades. She has been competing in BBQ contests for over 18 years, holding titles of 1st place Potato Salad and 2nd place in BBQ at The World Food Championships in Las Vegas, and 1st place National Award at The American Royal.
Lee Ann has appeared numerous times on TV, radio and in print stories including the Travel Channel, The Today Show, The Steve Harvey Show, People, Fine Cooking and Delta Sky magazines. She is a contributor in “The New American Cooking” cookbook and has served BBQ multiple times to the Senators and Congressman in the Capitol. Lee Ann is most widely known for TLC’s “BBQ Pitmasters” series and Food Network’s “Throwdown with Bobby Flay,” where she beat Flay with her mouth-watering pulled pork shoulder.
Toni Jones Dixon
You’re starving – what’s the first thing you reach for? French Fries lightly salted with flake sea salt, and a side of ketchup.
What’s your signature dish? Gourmet popcorn: decadent double chocolate, white chocolate infused with natural lemon oils and rosemary with black truffle salt.
When you’re not in the kitchen, what’s your recipe for relaxing? Sitting on the beach listening to the waves while reading or getting a scalp massage. If you haven’t had one, it is a must!
My first job was…An administrative role at a staffing firm.
When I was 15, I was…I was a bit awkward and so serious.
My mentor is…I use quite a bit from what and how I was raised to mentor and guide me through life (the really important stuff). Also, my godmother…she’s the best!
Something that inspires me is…Living an authentically, passionate life…and seeing others do the same!
Originally hailing from Wisconsin, Toni Jones Dixon is a business owner, wife and mother. A career management consultant by trade, in 2012 she founded nUM yUMMIES, a gourmet confections company specializing in unique flavors of gourmet popcorn, pretzels and truffle cakes.
In creating her business, Toni saw the benefit of her children working in partnership at the company and growing as young entrepreneurs. As nUM yUMMIES expands, her children will understand the importance of providing employment for others and engaging with the community through philanthropic efforts.
Toni believes that the best life is lived passionately, authentically and bravely, with no apologies for who you are.
Leave a comment for the chefs below and be sure to purchase your Shine & Dine ticket to join us on August 7!
