Meet Chef Key Locke, a seasoned and innovative vegan chef, renowned for crafting delectable plant-based creations that redefine culinary boundaries. Born on July 11 in vibrant Culver City, California, Chef Key Locke’s travels throughout her childhood immersed her in different cultures across California and the Midwest. She lived in cities such as Carson, Compton, Cudahy, L.A., Montebello, “The Valley,” San Diego, Oakland County, and the Detroit metro area—experiences that hint at her inspirations and her love for cuisines similar to modern street foods from various cultures.
Born and raised in Southern California, Chef Key Locke draws inspiration from her diverse cultural experiences and favorite cuisines. Her culinary journey began at her record store and community space, Lyrics on Vinyl, in Pontiac, Michigan, where she combined her love of music and food to create a unique culinary venture. Chef Key Locke gained recognition as a trailblazer in the vegan food scene when she hosted Taco Tuesdays at Menagerie Kitchen. This success led to the establishment of a second location and the founding of Phat Vgan in Detroit, making history as one of the city’s pioneering vegan chefs.
About Chef Key Locke
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of 8, My mother is American Indian, Irish and black atom Los Angles my father side of the family is from San Diego
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I love cooking for people introducing them to different meals and foods. Also providing healthier alternatives to eating while not missing the meat!
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t be afraid to try new things especially foods. You can still have delicious healthy foods and enjoy it!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Owning multiple franchises of my businesses all across the US and other countries.
Chef Key Locke & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
CoCoMaya, Louisiana Purchase, Cielo Rooftop
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived and worked here since 2020
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
So many too many to name
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Just growing up and spending summers and holidays, Sea World, the weather, just remembering I always wanted to come here to live when I grew up!
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Rosa Parks I found out she was related to my Grandmother I still need to do the full research, I joined an organization she wa apart of a few years after she past. I had no idea until that point.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
School Daze, Dirty Dancing, Grease
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I am on the spectrum, seriously I was on medication for years from a child to an adult, I am actually a little weird and really shy and nervous, I get panic attacks often
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Vacations where its sunny and the water is warm and clearly blue
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My Family and My Man lol
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
YBNB of course, SD Hip Hop 5k,
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t look in the rear view mirror, keep moving forward
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Mira Mesa, Downtown San Diego
What I love about my Neighborhood:
Mira Mesa the peace and quite and proximity t everything, Downtown being close to the water and business
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
Spring Summer definitely at the beach with a tent cooler, or on the boat cruising the bay.. Fall Winter Cozy on a rooftop overlooking the city
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Where the heart is
Website:https://phatvgan.com
