Adriano Espaillat: “New York City is recognized for both its tenacity and its profile as an incubator of elite talents. Perhaps no one…”

“New York City is recognized for both its tenacity and its profile as an incubator of elite talents. Perhaps no one embodies these Big Apple virtues more than chef Kwame Onwuachi, a Bronx native. Chef Kwame's early life was branded by adversity, his early career marked by missteps. However, as a true New Yorker and as a true son of the Bronx, he bounced back. A fusion of Bronx grit and culinary acuity has catapulted this young man, chef Kwame, from a subway candy salesman to winning a James Beard Award, perhaps the most prestigious award in the culinary world. Now, as executive chef of the renowned Kith and Kin restaurant right here in Washington, D.C., at The Wharf here in our Nation's Capital, chef Kwame is a shining example of perseverance, prestige, and promise bred in the Bronx. Go try his curry goat. Go try his oxtails. You will go back again. Chef Kwame is an exceptional individual, and he continues to make us all proud. He is an inspiration to many. He is right here with us, Mr. Speaker, in the gallery, and I welcome him to the House of Representatives. He is a Bronx native and now resides here in Washington, D.C. We are proud to have him. He is a young talent. You will be hearing a lot about him in the future, not only in written media, but you will be tasting his fine cuisine in many places around the world.…”