Chef Oscar Johnson–TYPE ANYTHING
Cuisine Specialties: Italian, Japanese, Mexican, and Southern
From an early age, Chef Rocky was immersed in the heart of the kitchen, where the true magic of food came to life. Growing up with a family garden filled with ingredients like kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, he developed a deep-rooted appreciation for fresh, bold flavors. Family gatherings revolved around the stove, where cooking wasn’t just a necessity but a celebration—a philosophy that would shape his culinary journey.
With a belief in “quality without pretentiousness”; Chef Rocky has mastered the art of transforming even the most humble ingredients into exquisite, flavorful dishes. Deeply influenced by his Laotian heritage, he understands that technique and passion—not excess—are what make a meal truly special. His approach honors authenticity while embracing innovation, crafting dishes that are both refined and approachable.
A true global gastronome, Chef Rocky draws inspiration from a diverse array of cuisines, from the umami-rich depths of Japanese cuisine to the soulful comfort of Southern food. His love for Mexican cuisine was sparked by his wife’s heritage, leading him to perfect the art of handmade tortillas. He finds equal joy in crafting fresh pasta, bringing to life the timeless flavors of Italian cooking, while also showcasing the bright, complex notes of Southeast Asian dishes.
Chef Rocky has built an impressive career, including an internship with the renowned Thomas Keller Restaurant Group in New York City, staging at an exclusive 7-seat, 12- course Michelin-starred restaurant, and working with elite athletes from the NFL, NBA, and PGA, as well as famous musicians.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own and operate his own ramen restaurants, earning multiple Best Ramen nominations from 2019-2023 across two states. His talent was also recognized early on when he was named the 2013 San Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Southeast Regional Winner.
For Chef Rocky, cooking is more than a profession—it’s an art form, a source of joy, and a way to create unforgettable experiences. Now at a stage where he chooses the projects that inspire him most, he remains committed to crafting meals that bring people together, evoke emotion, and celebrate the beauty of food in its purest form.
Sample Menus
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Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.
Choose one item per course.
Starters
Pimiento Cheese Dip
Cheerwine Meatballs
Cornbread with Seasonal Butter
First Course (4 & 5-course only)
Butternut Squash Soup
Fried Green Tomatoes
Potato Croquette
Palate Cleanser (5-course only)
Arnold Palmer Granita
Stone Fruit Sorbet
Peach “Tartare”
Main Course
Jambalaya
Shrimp and Grits
Pulled Pork with Smoky Collards and Baked Mac & Cheese
Desserts
Peach Cobbler à la Mode
Apple Pie à la Mode
Pumpkin Pie
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Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.
Choose one item per course.
Antipasti (Appetizers)
Crostini with Porcini Mushroom Spread
Burrata with Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage
Prosciutto-Wrapped Figs with Gorgonzola
Bruschetta with Ricotta, Honey, and Walnuts
Arancini with Truffle Aioli
Carpaccio di Manzo with Parmesan and Arugula
Baked Fontina with Garlic and Herbs
Grilled Radicchio with Balsamic Glaze
Polenta Fries with Rosemary and Parmesan
Zuppe e Insalate (Soup/Salad) (5-course only)
Tuscan White Bean Soup with Kale
Ribollita (Hearty Bread Soup)
Citrus Salad with Fennel and Pomegranate
Primi (First Course)
Wild Mushroom Risotto
Pumpkin Ravioli with Brown Butter and Sage
Chestnut and Sausage Lasagna
Tagliatelle with Wild Boar Ragu
Squash Risotto with Pecorino
Spinach and Ricotta Gnudi with Sage Butter
Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
Wild Mushroom Tagliatelle
Pumpkin Risotto
Secondi (Main Course) (4 & 5-course only)
Braised Short Ribs in Chianti with Polenta
Pan-Seared Branzino with Fennel and Citrus
Chicken Cacciatore
Osso Buco with Saffron Risotto
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
Salt-Crusted Whole Fish
Dolci (Desserts)
Tiramisu with Amaretto
Chocolate Hazelnut Panna Cotta
Ricotta Cheesecake with Candied Orange
Pear and Almond Tart
Espresso Gelato with Biscotti
Flourless Chocolate Cake
Cannoli with Pistachio and Ricotta
Zabaglione with Winter Berries
Chestnut Cake with Honey
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Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.
Choose one item per course.
Appetizers
Queso with Chorizo and Tortilla Chips
Elote Sampler
Pumpkin Tostada
First Course (4 & 5-course only)
Shrimp Taco with Cabbage Slaw
Chicken Tacos Dorados
Asada Taco
Palate Cleanser (5-course only)
Lime Sorbet
Jamaica Tea Granita
Fruit Plate with Tajín
Main Course (Included in all menus)
Chicken Mole with Red Rice and Flour Tortillas
Pork Chile Verde with Cilantro Rice and Flour Tortillas
Steak and Peppers in Arbol Sauce, Red Rice, Flour Tortillas
Desserts
Arroz con Leche
Sweet Potato Tres Leches
Toasted Butternut Squash con Crema
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Select your experience: 3-course, 4-course, or 5-course.
Choose one item per course.
Starters
Edamame with Bonito Flakes
Agedashi Tofu
Gyoza (Choice of One Filling):
Pork
Shrimp
Chicken
Seasonal Vegetables
First Course (4 & 5-course only)
Yaki Salmon Onigiri
Karaage Chicken
Yakitori (Choice of One Protein):
Beef
Chicken
Shrimp
Seasonal Vegetables
Palate Cleanser (5-course only)
Citrus Granita
Genmaicha
Spicy Cucumber Crunch
Main Course
Japanese Curry with Steak
Spicy Miso Ramen
Tempura Shrimp Udon Soup
Desserts
Matcha Tiramisu
Black Sesame Cake
Hojicha Ice Cream