I lived in Japan for a year and a half when I was stationed there with the Marine Corps. I taught cake decorating to Japanese Women at both Camp Fuji and Yokota Air Force Base. I liked everything about Japan…particularly the low crime rate. I was fascinated by the rice paddies and rice farming and I learned of the precision of the Japanese knives and kitchen tools when I was there during 1982-1984.

I don’t just collect knives. I use them! The Japanese knives are the best I’ve ever used, and now with Sugai-San’s help I know how to sharpen them!

I’ve been cooking and baking since I was eight years old. I was a child and I would go and help and learn at the famed Wilson’s in Harlem. I continued to cook while I was in the Marine Corps and then again when I returned home. And then I took a wonderful detour for nine years, working as the personal assistant and Chief of Staff to the Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network.

I always wanted my own restaurant. Six and a half years ago I opened Amy Ruth’s, named for my grandmother. We pride ourselves on the authenticity and taste of our food that translates to everyone, along with the warmth and service, all of which is reflective of Harlem.