About Me

My Name is Chauncee-Ali owner of Say your Grace. Virginia Beach is where I call home. I was raised alongside one of the most inspiring, kindhearted, goofy individuals I know, my twin brother. Everyone always asks where I get my cooking skills from. The simple answer is more like inspiration rather than skills. My Mom was great at making sure dinner was prepared, so cooking was never a task of ours. Her taco salad was always my #1 pick!  Pop would make his famous eggs and sausage, and it was the best thing since sliced bread. I just would never have thought to mix the two and it be so good. It was the day I perfected his simple recipe, and he liked it, when I knew I was on to something. Even still, cooking honestly wasn’t something I ever thought I’d have a passion for until I was married and started cooking for whom I used to consider my best client. My pop is from the South. I grew up in summers and summers indulging in southern home cooked foods for as long as I can remember. Grandma really put her foot in things. I mean no one can make a mean Mac & cheese like she did. Yea I said it. I would admire watching her in the kitchen as she put together many soul food dishes that brought our family together. One thing about my grandma, there was no recipe book. She would always dip her finger in for that good ol’ taste test. Graduating from Norfolk State University with a bachelor's in fine arts was my steppingstone towards having a creative eye for detail. One of my favorite things about food is the numerous ways we can make plating so unique and beautiful. Food doesn’t have to be fancy to taste good, but presentation is a must. In 2014 working at Ruth’s Chris was the introduction of “Made from scratch” for me. 5 years after is when I landed my first Sous Chef position. With gaining all the skills and knowledge under the tutelage of my then corporate Chef, my career and love for cooking has expanded into where I am today. One of the most important rules in my kitchen is “Taste as you go.” A tsp/tablespoon of something may not give it that same “umph” that it needs every time! So, measuring cups aren’t welcomed here, and tasting spoons take center stage! Although cooking has my heart, I’m proud to say I’m a fireman first. Full time my days are filled with the joys of helping my community whether that’s EMS or Fire! I’m blessed to say I have crafted my wonderful skills with many nights of cooking for friends and family. I would love to bring this personal experience to any and everyone who’s wanting just that, An Experience filled with simple food, love, laughter and a personalized uniqueness to tailor everyone. Please fill out a contact sheet for any questions about any future bookings with me!