We recently connected with James Beard Award semifinalist® Chef Lamar Moore to talk about originality, consistency, and what it really takes to lead a kitchen. Here’s what he shared.
“Originality is honoring where you come from while creating something fresh that feels like home.”
Chef Lamar doesn’t just cook Southern food—he pushes it forward. At etc., he reimagines classic dishes with a personal lens, honoring traditions while elevating them through technique and storytelling. It’s not about reinventing the wheel. It’s about bringing meaning and memory to the plate in new ways.
It all starts with your story. The way you grew up, the flavors you knew—those are what make your food yours.
Mississippi Catfish Dip, The Dish That Says It All
“Smooth. Reliable. Versatile.”
That’s how Chef Lamar describes PHILADELPHIA® Cream Cheese—and it’s the foundation of his signature Mississippi Catfish Dip. Made with Cajun-seasoned smoked catfish and whipped for a silky finish, the dish delivers layered flavor and high performance.
“Philly is that secret ingredient that makes Southern staples like cheesecake, dips, or even hushpuppies sing.”
Why it works: The clean dairy-forward flavor lifts the smokiness of the catfish, while the light, smooth texture makes it ideal for large-batch prep without sacrificing consistency. It binds evenly, holds under heat, and stays creamy when made ahead—whether you’re prepping for family meal or Friday night rush.
“Less filler. More flavor. Philly just performs.”
Chef tip: Want more flavor lift without more salt? Use PHILADELPHIA® to amplify seasoning in dips and spreads without muddying the balance.
Southern Comfort, Stacked High
Another standout on the menu? Chef Lamar’s Double-Patty Burger with Pimento Cheese. It’s rich. It’s bold. And it’s a perfect snapshot of how he brings Southern comfort into a Chicago setting.
Pimento cheese—a Southern staple—gets the starring role, adding creamy heat and nostalgic flavor to every bite. Like his dip, this dish is about harmony: structure, richness, and bold identity all in one.
Chef tip: Use smooth, high-performing ingredients like Philly as a base for pimento cheese blends—they cling better, bind flavor evenly, and don’t break on the flat-top.
Consistency Builds Confidence, In Guests and Staff
“The love is on the plate, but the grind is behind the scenes, every single day.”
Chef Lamar runs a tight, passionate kitchen—one that shows up fully, even when no one’s watching. For him, consistency is what keeps a team strong and a restaurant standing.
“Skill will take you far, but heart and consistency will carry you further.”
That’s why he builds his dishes around products that perform every time.
PHILADELPHIA® Cream Cheese offers smooth, spreadable texture without breaking, binding power for dips and sauces, and stability under high-heat or prep-ahead conditions.
Chef tip: If you’re scaling a sauce, a filling, or a dip for volume—start with a base that holds texture and carries flavor. It saves you time and gives your team something reliable to work from.
Lessons from the Line
“Be a sponge. Stay humble. Learn every station, treat every person with respect, and never forget your why.”
From back-of-house prep cook to Chef Lamar’s journey is proof that leading a kitchen takes more than culinary talent—it takes awareness, resilience, and growth. He reminds us that mentorship, humility, and adaptability are part of the job.
“You’ve got to lead your people, know your numbers, and be willing to evolve
without losing your flavor.”
Originality That Holds Up
“Philly cream cheese is the backbone of Southern comfort in every silky bite.”
Chef Lamar built etc. to reflect everything he believes in: truth, structure, and soul. His food hits because it’s personal—and it performs because it’s thoughtful. He’s created something that’s at once authentic and original.
Originals deserve the Original.
This post is sponsored by Kraft Foodservice