Daphne’s served over 700 vegan meals on Shmeal
Noble SquareRiver WestWest TownWicker Park
Shmeal connects you with the best personal chefs in your neighborhood (like Daphne), so you can order their meals, and have amazing food experiences every day.
Get to know Daphne in this Q&A, and order her meals on Shmeal in the Noble Square/West Town neighborhood!
Q: What’s your cooking background?
Daphne: My cooking roots are deeply imbedded in Southern tradition. I first learned to cook in Memphis, TN, my hometown. I learned beautiful presentation from my Dad who grew up in Virginia. Seasoning to perfection came from my Mississippi born and bred Grandma Mary and my dear friend’s late Aunt Earnestine. I was further influenced by my early years in DC surrounded by West Indian neighbors and the delicious smells that wafted from their homes. I take those deep roots and apply them to vegan cooking.

Reviews for Daphne’s Mae Liza’s Soul Bowl:
“Seriously so delicious and Daphne was super nice too!”
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“The food was excellent! Very generous portions too. You will be seeing us again soon!❤️👍🏻❤️”
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Q: When did you switch to vegan cooking?
Daphne: I began vegan cooking and eating about five years ago for health reasons and quite frankly, veganism saved my quality of life. The change invigorated my love of cooking by inspiring exploration into world cuisines. There are so many naturally vegan dishes around the world. It also helped me to lose a ton of weight and avoid medications. Let’s be clear. I don’t cook diet food. I cook plant-based, organic (as often as possible) foods that bring me joy.
Daphne competed in Shmeal’s Pumpkin Cookoff on Instagram Live with her Vegan Puerto Rican Sancocho.
Q: What’s your favorite food memory?
Daphne: My favorite food memories are always with my Grandmother in Memphis. I am still working to perfect (and “vegan-ize”) her Thanksgiving cornbread dressing. I’m so close!

Reviews for Daphne’s Fried Oyster Mushrooms & Sweet Potato Fries (20 served):
“I didn’t know that mushrooms could taste just as good. This meal is definitely a hit.”
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“I don’t think I will ever not order these mushrooms when I see them from Daphne! They were as fantastic as the last time we ordered them!”
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Q: Where did you grow up and what kind of food did you grow up with?
Daphne: I was born in DC and grew up in Memphis, TN. My first years in DC are peppered with memories of Caribbean food. In Memphis, my grandmother actually focused mostly on vegetarian soul food. Not even on purpose or to make a statement. She just wasn’t much into meat. Serendipity.
