Cooking with Flavour: The New Houston Hotspot

Charles Anyichie, native of Houston, Texas, moved to Los Angeles, CA in 2017 to give birth to his vision of the Cooking With Flavour brand. Who knew that his weekly how-to food videos would soon go viral, ushering him into a league of his own. Always having a passion for the Culinary Arts, Charles never embraced it as much. The exposure from his videos opened his eyes to the wealth of supporters who really enjoyed his content..

Selling his recipes online generated a demand that allowed him to travel and further expand his business. Today, Cooking With Flavour is now located in SE Houston in a 4000 sq ft restaurant & catering facility. Book them for your next event!

The Interview

AJ: What inspired you to venture into The Culinary Arts?

CC: Growing up, my Grandmother lived with us and didn’t believe in Cold Cuts. So every night the family had a hot meal. As the years went by, I watched her prepare a number of my favorite meals to date. The recipes stuck with me and I carried them on and prepared them for friends when I went to college. Post college, my cooking elevated to now cooking on the professional level. The opportunity for Culinary School presented itself and I didn’t hesitate to move in that direction and as a result, joined the Houston Food Bank Community Kitchen Program. I was excited to now get the formal training and experience.

AJ: How would you describe your cooking style and what are some of your go to spices/dishes?

CC: I like spice & lots of it! My mother is American and my father is Nigerian. We grew up eating spicy food. I enjoy taking All American Cuisines and infusing it with my Nigrerian roots!

AJ: Sounds very tasty. With that being said, tell us more about some of the challenges faced maintaining a business in the midst of a pandemic.

CC: After working in Aviation for over 4yrs and then being furloughed, I really didn’t know what to do next with my career. Cooking was initially a side hobby/hustle but quickly became my livelihood when I began to put my all into it after the furlough. This was literally all I had! I graduated with a degree in Marketing back in 2014 and struggled to find a job in my profession. I was happy to do something full time that I loved. I met an amazing man while out shopping and he sold me on the restaurant spot I now have!

AJ: Being in Houston, how do you feel your establishment contributes to the rich culinary history brought over by African Ancestry?

CC: I believe that food is ART! There is no wrong or right way to cook. We were all brought up differently. We have all learned a number of different ways to prepare dishes. It is all in the seasoning and the building of flavors. I enjoy taking classic dishes I grew up enjoying and elevating them by putting my own spin on it. Houston is known for diverse cultures and food so I am proud to say that my restaurant displays a great representation of what Houston food is; Savory, Comfort, Flavourful and so much more!

AJ: Who have been some of your mentors and your most memorable client(s)?

CC: Chef Kandis of Expensive Taste Catering x Chef Harmone of Harmone Made It Catering have been very influential to me. All of my clients are special and memorable to me, especially those who entrust me to execute their Wedding Day!

AJ: From your experience and perspective, how important are family dinners and why do you feel so many have moved away from gathering around good food?

CC: Family dinners are important because most individuals find comfort in food. It provides a way to come together, strengthen ties, and build better relationships. This is a good tool to bring everyone together over great dialog as well. The times that we are now with COVID-19 have changed the dynamic of many congregating in hopes to assure that everyone is safe.

AJ: When you think about the contributions of African American to The Culinary Arts, what is the impact you want your legacy to leave?

CC: As African American, we have made food more flavorful. We have built more traditions and carried down recipes that will live forever and ever.

AJ: What do you feel is the reason for your success in becoming one of, if not, the only current Hotspot in Houston?

CC: My success comes from being consistent and never giving up on myself or the Cooking With Flavour brand itself. I took some major losses and risk a lot to get to where

I am today. I’m very big on quality and customer service and I believe that is KEY when operating any business. Like the customer service trumps the food! People feel the love, taste the flavor in the food and are sure to return back for more.

AJ: What is next for your brand and vision?

CC: I see my brand becoming more of a household name. As we grow, I would like to start up other chained restaurants inspired around love for travel. I’m currently working on a spice line which I will be excited to share with my supporters here very soon!