By Reginald Williams,
Special to the AFRO
Alon Arrington, owner of Alon’s Gaming Kitchen, is a 17-year-old culinary prodigy noted for creating some stunning cuisines. Signature dishes most desired by his diners are braised and pan-seared lamb chops and chicken alfredo.
“When it comes to the food, I don’t see Chef Alon as a teenager– I see him as a professional,” explained Josh Cribbs, executive producer and host of “Cribbs in the CLE: Josh and Maria LIVE.”
“I had the pleasure of him catering food at the television studio and on multiple occasions at my home for my family,” said Cribbs, a ten-year National Football League veteran. I’m not shy about giving criticism. However, to see how eager Chef Alon [is] to go above and beyond and to continue to sharpen his skills gives me goosebumps.”
Alon has cooked for Mayor Edward Kraus of Solon, Ohio, and WOIO 19 Action News.
Owning a large restaurant and becoming a known chef are the goals that fuel Alon’s passion.
“I just want to become a known chef across the globe– like Gordon Ramsey and Bobby Flay,” explained Alon. “I just want to be known, but bigger.”
Knowing that owning a restaurant is some years away, Alon’s short-term plan is to own a food truck.
“A food truck allows you to travel. Being young and in high school right now, I can travel for big events. It’s just more convenient for me right now,” explained Alon.
In his spare time, the Cleveland native loves gaming. Inspired by his love for video games and cooking, Alon married the two concepts to create Alon’s Gaming Kitchen.
“I [am] so busy I really don’t have as much time to sit down to do stuff. But in my free time, I chill, relax, play video games or go out with my friends,” Alon explained.
Before marinating in his love for gaming and cooking, Alon had gridiron aspirations. He played middle linebacker for a youth football team, but inspired by his grandmother Sheila and aunt Robin, his love for cooking intercepted his path on the field.
“I always wanted to be a chef since I was little, but what got me into it was just seeing my grandma and my auntie cook,” Alon said. “During the pandemic, there was really nothing to do, so just [started] cooking.”
According to his mom, April Burt, Alon’s culinary skills have grown substantially since the onset of the pandemic.
Alon’s mom is his most ardent supporter.
It is common to hear the cries of new entrepreneurs as they express frustration about the lack of support from family and supposed friends, but for Alon, this isn’t the case.
“My friends are super supportive. Anything that I do, they will post (to social media), but honestly, I gotta thank my mom. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know what I would be doing. She’s helped me with this journey,” Alon told the AFRO. “She keeps promoting me–even on days when I’m getting on her nerves– she’s constantly posting and promoting my business. I have a great mom and I appreciate her for all that she does.
Alon’s mom is equally appreciative of all that he does. She loves to dine on his lamb chops and chicken alfredo, but mom is ecstatic about how her eldest child conducts himself.
“He’s a very respectful, hard-working, God-fearing young man,” Burt said. “I’m so proud that his teachers always say that he never gives them any problems. He’s always respectful and willing to help others.”
Next school year, Alon will elevate his skill as a student in the culinary arts program. In February 2023, Excel TECC Career and Technical Programs accepted Alon into their program. He’ll begin to study in the upcoming school year.
“I don’t know how many Black kids have gone to this program, but after high school, I want to attend Le Cordon Blue in Paris,” said Alon. “That’s one of the top-tier, best culinary programs. I’ve never seen no Black kids mention or say that they want to attend Le Cordon Blue, so I want to be the first Black kid to go there.”
Reginald Williams, the author of “A Marginalized Voice: Devalued, Dismissed, Disenfranchised & Demonized” writes on Black men and Holistic Health concerns. Please email bookreggie@reginaldwilliams.org or visit amvonlinestore.com for more information.
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