And Hello...

Chef Nigel Hunter 


Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Nigel Hunter knew at the age of eight years old that he wanted to be a chef. Being the son of a native of Trinidadian, Nigel learned and experienced, first-hand, the culinary delight and passion that could occur when exotic seasoning is infused with creativity and personality. 

After being a line cook at a local restaurant in Cleveland, Nigel was ready to take his passion for cooking to another level. He enrolled in the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute in 1999. Once his coursework was completed, Nigel took the opportunity to work for the Clipper Cruise Line, a cruise company based out of St. Louis, Missouri. Over the span of seven years of “character building experiences”, Nigel worked his way up from Garde Manger Chef to becoming one of the best Executive Chefs in the company. Honing his skills at creating decadent dishes, splashed with his signature spice rubs and mouth-watering sauces, Nigel quickly became a hot commodity among the passengers and crew of the cruise ships. 


The cruise line eventually created opportunities for networking and Chef Nigel was invited to help with a celebrity function for Kimora Lee Simmons. It was at that point that Chef Nigel became focused on his ultimate career goal of a Personal Chef.


Kimora Lee Simmons’ function would soon be only the beginning of high-profile culinary opportunities for Chef Nigel. Shortly after, a chance meeting with basketball star Jermaine O’Neal would prove to be a dream come true as he was hired to be his personal chef . Nigel became Personal Chef to the O’Neal family in September 2007 and has traveled with the family from Indiana, to Toronto and, most recently,Miami.


Everyday is a culinary delight for the O’Neal family and a welcomed challenge in the life of Chef Nigel. Drawing on his heritage and experience, Chef Nigel Hunter keeps the excitement in the kitchen; never lacking in quality, flair or taste and always sizzling with the passion and creativity that was learned as a young boy and has never let him down.


Source: Women's Empowerment Series 2010