Celebrity chef Kayla Greer, who starred alongside Big Zuu and Stacey Dooley in BBC Three's latest cooking competition Hungry For It , is back in her hometown and getting back to her usual routine. As it happens, her "day job" is cooking for the biggest names in Hollywood: Justin Bieber, Drake and Diddy. (In fact, she was on her way to Diddy's mansion when we spoke. "The last thing I made for him for breakfast was some protein pancakes and an egg and bacon roll," she recalls, holding her Miniature Poodle Saffron ).
I think it must be surreal to work so close to a celebrity. “My father always told me it’s not what you know, but who you know,” she recalled. “Growing up in Los Angeles, I was surrounded by a lot of other creatives, athletes, childhood stars and people I knew, and it all worked together because all of my clients were built through word of mouth.”
Her incredible work ethic, great taste, and delicious dishes help, though. In addition to his work at BBC Three, Greer runs The Saffron Agency, provides high-profile personal chefs in Los Angeles, creates and sells his own vegan all-purpose seasonings, and is the executive chef at 40 Love in West Hollywood.
“I’ve been cooking since I could get a stove,” she told me, crediting her aunt, who sadly passed away in 2018, with teaching her everything she knows. "If I asked, 'Oh, how do you make gravy,' she would tell me over the phone. I was always cooking with her. [Losing her] was one of the craziest moments because it was like I was in the middle of my life "Losing her father before Hungry For It started filming was another devastating blow, but she found siblings in Zuu and Dooley. "They were very supportive... and we hit it off like besties."
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Talking about comfort food and her favorite dishes brings an instant smile to the chef's face. "Torillas are definitely a love language for me and I can make them with just about anything." She's not so keen on British food, though. “The weirdest food I’ve encountered in the UK is cheese and pineapple skewers,” she says with a cheeky laugh. "The bean toast is also a first." Her verdict? "Different...not necessarily my first choice."
Learn more about Chef Key Kay in the Bustle Booth questionnaire below.
in a noisy stall
What was your coffee order?
Vanilla iced latte.
What weather locations are saved on your phone?
New York, Las Vegas, Oakland, Dallas, New Orleans, Hattiesburg, Tijuana, Napa, Aruba, Reykjavik, London.
What is your logo?
Taurus.
Favorite overused movie line?
"Help me, I'm poor!" from the bridesmaid .
What was your favorite cartoon as a child?
When Power Rangers first came out.
What’s a movie or TV show that you’re currently obsessed with?
Desire it – and not just because I’m in it!
Who is your celebrity idol?
Rihanna.
If you had to be on a reality show, what would you choose?
Marry at first sight .
Karaoke songs you often listen to?
" Don't Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton.
What has inspired you recently?
My house and reorganizing my space.
How would you like people to describe you?
They are inspired.
