Texas chef Yaschica Higgenbotham’s making immeasurable strides in a career that spans a decade — and counting

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13 NKJV)

‘OH TASTE & EAT’ 

DALLAS — Yaschica Higgenbotham is absolutely passionate about cooking and dancing.

And dancing and cooking.

In no particular order, of course.

“I love cooking and dancing,” Higgenbotham told Making Headline News during a weekend interview. “I love playing New Orleans second line music while I am cooking. My favorite brass band is Rebirth Brass Band. “They call me ‘The Dancing Chef’ or ‘The SecondLine Chef.’”

Much to her delight, Higgenbotham is starting to emerge as one of Dallas/Fort Worth’s finest young chefs not because of her unorthodox antics, but rather because of her fervent quest to ensure that her incredible cooking mechanics customarily stand out above others in this, an ever-so-competitive professional culinary industry.

CONNECT WITH CHEF COKO ANTWAN: https://www.instagram.com/chef_coko_antwan/

Widely known as “Chef CoKo Antwan,” Higgenbotham’s professional cooking career spans a little more than a decade. For good measure, this 37-year-old cooking guru has since added the title of “entrepreneur” to her immeasurable resume, considering she is the creator of Chef Coko Antwan’s BBQ, her signature barbecue sauces and seasonings that earned mentions during a private dinner hosted by celebrity chef Elliott Farmer of the Food Network.

One of America’s preferred food creators and television and radio personalities, Farmer has been selected as one of the premiere chefs to feature their craft and client events on live television.

For what it’s worth, Higgenbotham appears headed down a similar path as Farmer.

A native of Amite, Louisiana — a rural Tangipahoa Parish establishment that is comprised of roughly 4,141 residents, according to the latest U. S. census — Higgenbotham relocated to the Dallas/Fort Worth area in 2012 during which she enrolled in culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu.

Consequently, Higgenbotham graduated the following year, then wasted little time delving off into to a professional career that has afforded her the golden opportunity to host a cooking class for globally acclaimed preacher, Evangelist Joyce Rodgers.

Aside from overseeing the day-to-day operations of her rising catering company, Higgenbotham offer services as a private chef.

A self-proclaimed “diehard Louisiana girl,” Higgenbotham has appropriately found her niche in her selected industry, in large part because of her authentic Louisiana cuisine dishes, most notably her delectable gumbo, red beans, fried chicken, jambalaya, shrimp etouffee, and fried fish, among other entrees.

And, just recently, Higgenbotham has managed to put her temporary shelter-in-place stay to good use with the startup of periodic virtual online cooking classes during which she enlightens families on how to prepare authentic Louisiana dishes.

As usual, Higgenbotham was as good as advertised through her newly-erected endeavor that has quickly become a popular trend amongst a gallery of her social media followers.

“I think my cooking style reaches all ages, from kids loving my barbecue sauce, to senior citizens loving my classic meatloaf,” Higgenbotham said. “I love cooking but, most of all, I love watching people’s reaction when they take that first bite.”

To Higgenbotham’s recollection, it was sometime in 2008 that she commenced to becoming serious about becoming a professional chef.

“Dr. Britteny Richardson encouraged me to go to culinary school to perfect my craft,” said Higgenbotham, who also garnered wise counsel from fellow church member Retta Mitchell to “finish what I had started” upon her relocation to Texas eight years ago.

OM-GOOD OLE LOUISIANA FOOD!

While the road to professional culinary excellence hasn’t been easy in any way, shape or form, Higgenbotham is forever grateful — and humble — of the notion that her long-awaited dream has finally come full circle.

“My mission is for people to experience good, authentic Louisiana food,” Higgenbotham said. “I want them to enjoy food that looks and taste good. My motto is, ‘Oh Taste & Eat.’

“I want to inspire those who barriers in their minds when it comes to cooking,” she continued. “I want them to know that cooking is not hard if you are willing to learn. I want them to learn how to cook and have fun while doing it.”

Even if means cooking and dancing.

Or dancing and cooking.

In no particular order, of course.

SIGN OF THINGS TO COME

For more information Dallas/Fort Worth Businesswoman Yaschica Higgenbotham (“Chef CoKo Antwan”), to inquire about her services, a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 214.973.6849, or connect with her via social media at: Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/CHEFCOKOANTWAN/; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef_coko_antwan/. Also, send email to: [email protected].

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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.