South Jersey Spotlight on Fran Davis of The Flavorful Fork

I believe my first encounter with Fran Davis, personal chef and owner of The Flavorful Fork, was at a Marlton Business Association luncheon. At the time, she was beginning her journey as a local South Jersey entrepreneur.

Fast forward several years: Fran now runs a thriving business, is a featured speaker/presenter in the local community, and is currently president of the South Jersey chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). To whet your appetite and potential personal-chef needs, let’s “stick a fork in it” with Fran Davis:

By All Writes: Why did you decide to become a personal chef and start The Flavorful Fork? When did you found/start it?

Fran Davis: The Flavorful Fork was founded in September 2010, about two months after I was laid off from my corporate job. I had been working in the information technology (IT) field for over 15 years. During the “dot-com” heyday, it was a fantastic, creative career that also provided me with a nice salary and excellent benefits.

However, after going through a number of downsizings, outsourcings and layoffs, I was exhausted. I dreamed of another lifestyle, one that would provide me with the flexibility and autonomy I desired so I could raise my daughter and still have a fulfilling career.

BAW: What personal-chef and other related services do you offer your current and potential clients?

FD: I offer regular meal service for busy professionals and parents. This service also makes a wonderful gift for aging parents, new moms, and individuals recuperating from a health issue or going through chemotherapy.

I also provide in-home catering services, ranging from a special dinner for two to intimate dinner parties to large cocktail parties.

For something a bit different when celebrating a special occasion, I also offer in-home interactive cooking parties. Everyone gets into the kitchen with me, and we prepare the meal together.

A sampling of my clients’ favorite appetizers and entrees includes:

• Mini Crab Cakes with Lemon Caper Sauce or Avocado Mousse
• Pan-Seared Filet Mignon with Gorgonzola Panko Crust
• Gorgonzola Mousse, Fig Jam, and Dried Apricots on an Edible Spoon
• Brazilian Shrimp with Coconut Sauce
• Flank Steak with Fresh Rosemary Marinade over Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
• Shrimp Ceviche

Photos of some of these tempting edibles can be found on my website. Recipes available online to your readers include Curried Shrimp and Mango Soup, Peanut Butter Power Bites, and Spiced Pork Chops with Creamy Mashed Cauliflower.

Finally, I’m also available to do cooking/food demonstrations and speak as a subject matter expert at corporate wellness programs.

BAW: Who makes a good client for you?

FD: I particularly enjoy working with clients who want to be a little more adventurous with their food choices while also wanting to adopt healthier eating habits. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people in my line of work! I love hearing that my food has made dinnertime easier for them or helped them host a stress-free party.

BAW: What is your ultimate “happy moment” when working with your clients?

FD: A few months ago, I cooked 30 meals for a woman who received my meal service as a gift from a friend in her cancer support group. The friend had received the same service (gift) from a friend of hers and wanted to “pay it forward.”

This woman was experiencing quite a bit of pain across her back but, despite it all, was so kind and patient with her young son. She was so thrilled I was there and later wrote to tell me how very much she and her family enjoyed eating my food. It is moments like this that make my job so rewarding.

BAW: If you could relocate The Flavorful Fork to anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

FD: Wow, that is a tough one! At this time in my life, I am really very happy right where I am, surrounded by my family. And by the time our girls are grown and on their own, I think I will be too tired to carry all my boxes of equipment and bags of groceries to and from clients’ homes! Does this hypothetical offer come with a personal assistant?

BAW: What are your favorite books to read (or who are your favorite authors) and why? Please share generously!

FD: I really only read nonfiction books and love to read about psychology, history, marketing, and food (of course). The books currently downloaded to my iPhone and resting comfortably on my nightstand are: Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger and Body of Work (Finding the Thread That Ties Your Story Together) by Pamela Slim.

Do you dream of walking into your home after a hard day’s work (or after a challenging day of taking care of your children or an ill loved one) and smelling the aroma of a fabulous dinner, already made? Do you need to reclaim more of your personal time to take care of those tasks that always shift to the bottom of your endless list?

If eating at home is something you’d like to enjoy again, it’s time to let Chef Fran Davis transform the contents of your refrigerator or freezer!

Visit The Flavorful Fork online, or contact Fran directly either by email or by phone (609-304-5295). To see what Fran Davis has cooking in the virtual world of social media, please connect with her via The Flavorful Fork’s Facebook page, Fran’s Twitter feed, and/or Fran’s LinkedIn account.