Measurements to Overcoming Life’s Challenges

Chef Chris Hayes is the author of the Amazon best seller, “The Recipe-Measurements for Overcoming Life’s Challenges.” He is a Shreveport native, business owner, community advocate and someone who is taking his own life’s obstacles and insights and sharing them with the world.

“The ‘Recipe’ was written for anyone,” Chris says, “but I wanted to target men mostly. I feel like our ego and pride get in our way. We don’t like to feel vulnerable because that opens us up for hurt and disappointment. We carry around this masculine mask as if nothing bothers us, and we are secretly suffering deep within from past hurt and trauma or even navigating day-to-day life.”

Chris began his culinary quest at the feet of his elders. “My grandparents and great-grandmother nurtured my love of cooking. It was the love, taste, togetherness and the will of God that brought our family around the dinner table.”

Chris worked his way through a competitive career path, learning the basics of food prep and management at a pizza restaurant as a teenager. He went on to get his business and culinary arts degrees before working in a host of Northwest Louisiana’s top hotels, restaurants and gaming venues. His zest for life and extraordinary skill afforded him an executive chef position in New Orleans.

In 2013, Chris took first place in the New Orleans Oyster Jubilee, then set his sights on The Food Network. The hit television show “Cooks vs. Cons” extended him an offer to appear, and Chris ultimately won the competition. He also won first place in Culinary Fight Club. Chris uses his success to encourage at-risk youth and aspiring culinary artists, donating his time and resources to community-based programs and cultural events.

In the fall of 2017, Chef Chris launched The Smoking Oyster Catering Company, a multi-faceted endeavor comprised of a food truck, catering, popup events and classes.

His latest book is about a man who can’t sleep, who fights his thoughts, wondering if other men go through this and how they handle it. “I figured if I put my thoughts and feelings on paper, it would help someone else just as I’ve put them in place and started to believe in myself once again. It all begins with my favorite affirmation, ‘Cleanse the inner appearance before you work on the outer appearance.’” “The Recipe” is available on Amazon.com. As one of his reviewers says, “This book is not just about food; it’s about purpose, passion and self-love. It reminds you that cooking, like life, is about heart, balance and faith.”

Follow The Smoking Oyster on social media and at thesmokingoyster.square.site. Chris’s line of seasonings and spices can be found at Walmart.com.