Flavors of My Journey: A Senegalese Immigrant's Rise in America | Chef Cisse | TEDxHarlem
In this TEDxHarlem Talk, Chef Cisse shares one powerful idea: where you start in life does not define where you can go. Thirty years ago, he arrived in America with big dreams and limited means, beginning his journey as a dishwasher. Through relentless hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in possibility, he built a path to owning four successful restaurants.Along the way, he confronted the realities of immigration, cultural adaptation, and entrepreneurship—discovering that perseverance and community can turn obstacles into opportunities. His story is proof that the American dream isn’t just a concept—it’s a choice to keep moving forward, no matter how humble the beginning.Senegalese-born Chef Elhadji “Cisse” is the visionary behind Ponty Bistro, Renaissance Harlem, Harlem Café, and the new PB Brasserie in Harlem. Since moving to the U.S. in 1995, he’s worked in Michelin-starred kitchens like Daniel and Vong, blending African spices with classic French techniques. Chef Cisse opened his first restaurant in 2008, bringing Pan-African, French, and Mediterranean flavors to New York. His newest venture, PB Brasserie, is a 4,500 sq. ft. culinary destination near the Apollo Theater. A finalist on Chopped and featured by ABC News and the James Beard Foundation, Cisse continues to showcase African cuisine with elegance and innovation. Through each dish, he honors his heritage and Harlem’s cultural legacy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
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