Early Life
Chef Mohamed Najeeb was born on December 12th, 1981 in Baghdad, Iraq. He grew up in a large family, the fifth of nine siblings, and was raised in a traditional Iraqi household. From a young age, Chef Najeeb had a passion for cooking and spent much of his time in the kitchen, learning from his mother and grandmother. His love for food and cooking grew as he got older and he began to dream of becoming a chef.
Education and Early Career
In pursuit of his dream, Chef Najeeb attended culinary school in Baghdad, where he studied the basics of cooking and learned about different cuisines from around the world. He also gained valuable experience working in some of Baghdad’s most popular restaurants, where he learned to prepare traditional Iraqi dishes as well as international cuisine.
In 2003, Chef Najeeb’s life changed dramatically when the Iraq War began. He was forced to flee Baghdad and seek refuge in Jordan, where he continued to work as a chef in various restaurants. However, he always dreamed of returning to Iraq and opening his own restaurant.
Career in the United States
In 2007, Chef Najeeb was given the opportunity to move to the United States, where he settled in Chicago and began working at a popular Middle Eastern restaurant. He quickly gained a reputation for his skillful preparation of traditional Iraqi dishes and was soon offered a job at a high-end restaurant in downtown Chicago.
In 2011, Chef Najeeb opened his own restaurant, “Najeeb’s Kitchen,” in the Chicago suburbs. The restaurant was an instant success and quickly became known for its authentic Iraqi cuisine, as well as Chef Najeeb’s innovative take on traditional dishes.
Chef Najeeb’s style of cooking is characterized by his use of fresh, high-quality ingredients and his attention to detail. He combines traditional Iraqi flavors with modern techniques and global influences to create unique and flavorful dishes that are both comforting and exciting.
In 2015, Chef Najeeb was named “Best Chef in the Midwest” by the James Beard Foundation, one of the highest honors in the culinary world. He was also recognized by the Chicago Tribune as one of the city’s top chefs.
Philanthropy
Chef Najeeb has always been passionate about giving back to his community, both in the United States and in Iraq. He has used his success as a chef to support various charities and organizations, including those that provide assistance to refugees and immigrants.
In 2017, Chef Najeeb founded the “Najeeb’s Kitchen Foundation,” a non-profit organization that provides culinary training and job placement services to refugees and immigrants in the Chicago area. The organization aims to empower individuals by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to pursue careers in the culinary industry.
Chef Najeeb is also an advocate for the rights of refugees and immigrants. He has spoken out against the Trump administration’s travel ban and has used his platform as a chef to raise awareness of the challenges faced by refugees and immigrants in the United States.
Personal Life
Chef Najeeb is married with two children and lives in the Chicago suburbs. He is an avid reader and enjoys learning about different cultures and cuisines. In his free time, he likes to experiment with new recipes and ingredients and is always looking for ways to improve his cooking.
Conclusion
Chef Mohamed Najeeb is a talented and passionate chef who has made a name for himself in the culinary world. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to giving back to his community have earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and customers alike. Chef Najeeb’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a love for food that transcends borders and cultures.
