How It All Began...
Born and raised in the Chatham Community of Chicago, Illinois, Judson Todd Allen was introduced to flavorful foods at a very young age. His grandfather, who he was named after, ignited this insatiable thirst of “all things food” in him. Growing up in Louisiana, Judson’s grandfather’s Creole traditions and style of cooking influenced his culinary point of view today. From the weekend fishing excursions to the anticipated holiday family feasts, it was clear that Judson was IN LOVE with great cuisine. This love for food, led him to attend the only urban agricultural high school in the city of Chicago, “The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences”, where he majored in Food Science. Faced with the decision of whether to pursue culinary school or take a non-traditional route, Judson chose to continue his studies in Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Always striving to be different, Judson found himself intrigued by the science behind foods and how flavors seamlessly worked together.
The Journey Toward Weight Loss…
Having struggled with weight issues for a large part of his life, Judson Todd Allen experienced a significant 70 plus pound weight gain during his college years. With the convenience of drive-thru windows and the abundance of “all you can eat” dorm food, Judson’s love for food was not only evident in his passion for cooking but also eating. After graduation, he decided it was time to apply his advanced knowledge in food science and nutrition and thus began his personal journey toward adopting a healthy lifestyle change. With a palate that craved flavorful cuisine, Judson created recipes that highlighted his favorite foods infusing them with a healthier twist, all while providing an eating experience. Over a 2-year period, he was able to loose over 100 pounds, dispelling the myth that healthy food is boring and unpalatable. Judson was able to bring life, creativity and flavor to healthy cuisine and began introducing this concept to others.
His Career Takes Off…
In 2007, Judson Todd Allen founded Healthy Infused Cuisine, LLC, offering healthy upscale/gourmet cuisine through meal delivery, personal chef, and cuisine services (catering). Enthusiastically serving as a personal chef to some of Chicago’s most elite, as well as offering cuisine services to powerhouse organizations, Judson operates with a spirit of humility, excellence and professionalism. He has been afforded the opportunity to service clients such as NFL Player Donovan McNabb, Radio Personalities Doug Banks and DeDe McGuire, National Recording Artists Lupe Fiasco and Shekinah Glory Ministries, The United Negro College Fund, Space Stage Movie Studios, Bain and Company and many more. To develop his business acumen, Judson pursued a Master of Science Degree in Health Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master of Business Administration Degree in Entrepreneurship from DePaul University.
Additionally, Judson Todd Allen has traveled the world in search of knowledge, experiences and culinary hidden treasures. He has studied at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, as well as The Ritz in Paris. Judson also took courses at Institut Paul Bocuse in Lyon, France, the gastronomic capital of the world. With his travels also including places like Italy, Switzerland and Spain, Judson continues to be marveled by the myriad of culinary options and traditions.
Lights, Camera, Action – The “Architect of Flavor” Is Born…
With a name like Judson Todd Allen, there was no way he could hide in the background; rather, his parents encouraged him to stand out, and that is just what he did. From being tagged as a “class clown” and “most talkative”, it was clear to Judson that performing in front of others was definitely his calling. It was a natural fit for Judson to turn to food television as a way to not only entertain, but also encourage, educate and inspire.
Aspiring to bring his gregarious personality and love for food to television, Judson Todd Allen has been a permanent fixture at the Kenmore Live Studio in Chicago, providing a Cooking Show Series in front of a live studio audience. Known to his fans and supporters as “The Architect of Flavor”, Judson has offered shows such as “Foods That Put You in the Mood” to “Ganbatte Japan – A Live Cooking Show Benefit Event for the People of Japan”. He was also named semi-finalist for both the Food Network’s hit show, “The Next Food Network Star Season 6” and Oprah Winfrey’s Network Show Competition “Your OWN Show”.
In addition to working on camera, Judson also enjoys offering cooking classes and demonstrations as well as public speaking. Judson serves as a Medical Ambassador for the American Cancer Society.
What’s Next…
Judson Todd Allen realizes that with faith and confidence the sky is the limit for his professional career. He understands that every strategic move he makes gets him steps closer toward materializing his dreams. So when asked what’s next, Judson commented, “Well, I continue to pursue my dream of having my own nationally televised food show and am currently working on a line of specialty food products. A cookbook is also coming in the very near future.
Chef Judson Todd Allen
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