“I am still in the process of my defining moment! I am on a very exciting journey and soon enough my legacy will start to take shape.”-Rahman “Rock” Harper

Whether creating a five star meal or inspiring others with his culinary finesse, Chef Rahman “Rock” Harper uses his passion, humor, and professionalism to bring the best out of experience he is involved in. Born in San Diego in 1976, Rock discovered the Culinary Arts as a teenager. What began as an interest soon became an obsession as he discovered his natural talent in cooking and decide to turn it into a career.

After completing High School, Chef Rock enhanced his abilities with the rigorous cooking curriculum of Johnson and Wales University. Eventually graduating with honors, Rock credits the University with providing him with the unspoken but vital skills that helped him reach the next level as a Chef.

“Punctuality, professionalism, organization, sanitation, determination, persistence and many other things, I all learned at JWU. I use them every day. You have to have a great base and then you can build on it. Create your strong, unbreakable foundation and you will never fail. Not just in my field, it's the same in life.”

With his degree in hand, Chef Rock would enter the restaurant business, steadily refining his craft in renowned homes of fine dining. The impressive list of restaurants includes locations such as Café Calliope, Burke Station Restaurant, Ben’s Next Door, the Carlyle Club. Over time, Rock’s talents would be recognized and rewarded with greater responsibilities, culminating when he served as the Executive Chef for B. Smith’s in Washington DC.

Already well respected in the culinary realm, Chef Rock is nationally renowned for winning the Fox Reality television cooking show Hell’s Kitchen, hosted by legendary Chef Gordon Ramsay. Cast in the third season, Rock’s determination, finesse and talents would propel him through the competition. After winning, Chef Rock would temper his excitement with a desire to help others, something which follows him to this day.

“If you pass something on and pay it forward, I think that’s the most fulfilling aspect of anyone’s life and that’s what I hope to do.”

Since winning Hell’s Kitchen, Chef Rock has expanded his talents to writing, education and service to the greater community. In October 2010, he released the well received “44 Things Parents Should Know about Healthy Cooking for Kids,” an insight filled guide for parents who wish to provide healthy but tasty meals for their children. In addition, Chef Rock would begin serving as an instructor for Strafford University, which he continues to do to this day.

Realizing the importance of serving others, Chef Rock also serves two causes close to his heart. Since 2008, he has served as the celebrity chef of the March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.org) . In addition, Chef Rock has committed countless hours – first as a Board Member and currently as Director of Kitchen Operations - to the DC Central Kitchen (http://www.dccentralkitchen.org), an organization committed to ending poverty, homelessness and hunger in the District of Columbia.

With a career that has spanned across television and restaurants across the country, Chef Rock is excited to reach the next level as a Chef, teacher, and servant to the Culinary Arts and people.

Lifestyle Professionals, Celebrity Chef