Kaylah Thomas
Chef at Fire Island Bakery
Kaylah was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Her ultimate dream to become a Chef & Baker has come to fruition with inspiration from her grandma Helen who was a Chef as well. Kaylah’s family hails from both southern and northern Alabama and she grew up with an appreciation for southern cuisine with an Alaskan touch. Growing up relying on sustainable sourcing from the land by fishing and harvesting produce at local farms was also a part of Kaylah’s inspiration as a chef. Friends and family would hunt bear and moose as a food source which also helped develop her passion for cooking with an emphasis on local proteins and ingredients. She has been involved in a variety of pop-ups/collaborations in Anchorage, Juneau, Seattle, New York City and South Carolina where she showcases what she has to offer by bringing the dishes she have learned growing up and throughout my culinary travels.
Throughout her culinary journey she has learned from her mentor, Kim Sunee, who also lives in Anchorage. Kaylah applied her skills by assisting with Sunee’s cookbook: Everyday Korean. Sunee’s guidance taught Kaylah different facets and techniques of the food industry, i.e.: (food photography and recipe testing) and for that she is extremely grateful.
Kaylah’s recipes have been featured in the Cookbook for Juneteenth and Black Celebrations by Nicole A. Taylor.