I got to spend a day with Chef Louis Tikaram and his wife Jorja, what struck me the most about both of them is the constant generosity of spirit, light heartedness, ability to put every one at ease and genuine kindness. Louis is a Byron Bay bred, Aussie-Fijian Executive Chef , making waves in LA, with his creative take on Asian cuisine at one of the most popular restaurants in the city, E.P. & L.P.  His Fijian-Chinese-Indian heritage has inspired him to create an incomparable menu. With that menu comes responsibility to the environment, which Louis lends his voice to. Ladies and gentleman, I give you Louis Tikaram, dreamer...

Dream

To live happily ever after with my beautiful wife Jorja, in our dream house back in the town we grew up in “Mullumbimby” with our family, surfing and gardening everyday.

Honor

My work ethic, I was raised to understand the satisfaction of being a hard worker and reaching goals I set myself, even if they are very high.

Hope

My wife is pregnant, seeing our little girl growing inside her is such an amazing experience, when the world seems like it is getting too much to handle, I just look at my two girls and it puts a whole new perspective on things.

What stirs your soul?

Music is so inspirational to me, whether it is getting me through a tough day, celebrating a great moment, designing a new menu, music is always there to point me in the right direction.

Message to the world in 30 Seconds?

Surround yourself with great people and the rest will follow (repeat 6 times).

Legacy

Creating a reputation in my kitchens, that if a young chef has spent some time with me during their career they have developed great skills, are trustworthy and would definitely be a chef to watch.

What advice would you give yourself 7 years old, 17 years old and 27 years old?

7 year old Louis:  "You're doing great! Don’t change."

17 year old Louis: "Don’t do that again!"

27 year old Louis:  "Keep pushing your almost there!"

Hero

My Mum and Dad.

Favorite non-physical attribute about your self?

How much I appreciate friendship.

Non Profit

Greenpeace, I spent my whole childhood in the sea swimming & surfing and  now seafood is a huge part of my cuisine we need to protect our oceans for future generations to enjoy.

Since sitting down with Louis for this interview, he and his lovely wife Jorja  have welcomed their beautiful baby girl Maelle into the world. Oh and that gorgeous girl getting her ear stroked is Sweet Pea, she is a rescue dog that Louis and Jorja have spent the last year fostering.

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