Meet The Chosen Chef! Chef Duriel Barnes, a native Washingtonian, who resides in Fort Washington, MD is a proud graduate of Bowie State University. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in the field of Criminal Justice and Prince George’s Community College, where I earned an Associate of Arts in Hospitality and Culinary Arts. I joined the Metropolitan Police Department in January of 2006. Since that time, I have served in several capacities in the department.
In January of 2016, I launched my catering business “The Chosen Chef Catering &; Events,” a full service private Company, specializing in fine dining. I currently own and operate my business website (www.thechosenchef.com) and currently sell select food and dessert options available for purchase. I’ve catered events ranging in size from 2-600 guests and have participated in several cooking challenges; where I’ve won top prize in select categories. I’ve also been able to cook for local and national celebrities such as DJ Quick Silva of The Fam In The Morning (WKYS 93.9 FM), Donnie Simpson (TV ONE & MAJIC 102.3 FM), Singer and songwriter Lil Mo, Poet Taylor of (WPGC 95.5 FM), Autumn Joi Live (WHUR 96.3 FM), Jamie Foster Brown of Sister 2 Sister magazine, to name a few.
I have been a repeat guest on Good Morning Washington (WJLA ABC7; News Channel 8) station, WTTG Fox 5 DC (Good Day DC), Lion Lunch Hour Show and WJLA ABC 7 Evening News. Most recently, I served as the head chef on various Mega Mind Media Productions shoots who produced several films for BET, BET Her and TV One. On set, I cooked for the likes of Vanessa Bell Callaway, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Golden Brooks, AJ Johnson, Michael Colyar, Vivica Fox, Keri Hilson, Meagan Good, Tichina Arnold, Naturi Naughton; Lisa Raye McCoy.
In July 2019, I purchased a food truck where I will sell gourmet foods and desserts in the Washington, DC, and surrounding areas. “The Chosen Waffle” launched summer 2020. In September 2020, I was voted “Best Local Caterer”, “Best Personal Chef” and “The Chosen Pie” was voted 3 rd Best Pie in Washington, DC by The Washington City Paper “Best of 2020” awards.
In October 2022, after serving 16 ½ years to the citizen of Washington, DC I decided to bet on myself and retire early from the Metropolitan Police Department. Since that time, the business has doubled in sales and Chef Duriel has not looked back.
