Von Harris, a high school student at Hinsdale South, had an interesting experience in his advanced cooking class where he attempted to make his Great-Grandma Shortstop’s greens for his classmates and teachers. However, things didn’t go as planned when his teacher provided him with fresh, raw wings and a bottle of liquid smoke instead of the smoked turkey wings he requested. Despite the mishap, Von managed to salvage the dish and earned an A in the class.
From dreaming of opening his own restaurant to pursuing a career in psychology and music, Von, now known as Fat Jesus, has had quite the journey. He started cooking elaborate meals for himself and others using minimal equipment, which eventually led to the development of his signature smoked wing recipe. His culinary skills gained attention, and he began catering for various events, showcasing his unique dishes like Peruvian-style pollo a la brasa and shrimp ceviche.
During the pandemic, Fat Jesus faced a mental reckoning, realizing the importance of self-care and prioritizing his well-being. This led him to scale back his artist roster and focus on new ventures like launching a line of seasonings called Pudgie’s Cabinet. Despite facing setbacks like a knee injury, Fat Jesus remained resilient and continued to experiment with pop-up events, showcasing his diverse culinary talents.
Fat Jesus’s latest endeavor, Fat Plate Fridays, has gained popularity, with his dishes selling out at various events. His ability to adapt to different situations and offer unique dining experiences has captured the attention of food enthusiasts across Chicago. As he prepares for his upcoming Fat Plate Fridays drop, Fat Jesus remains optimistic about the future and is grateful for the unexpected opportunities that have come his way.
This October, Fat Jesus will be bringing Fat Plate Fridays to Monday Night Foodball at Frank and Mary’s Tavern, showcasing his innovative approach to cooking and community engagement. Stay tuned for more details on this exciting culinary event.
