Chef A culinary artist who turns meals into moments of love and joy. The rich, nutty aroma of simmering groundnut soup — laced with cumin, ginger, curry, and the tang of fresh tomatoes — drifted from under the kitchen door. It was the kind of smell that pulled everyone back to childhood, when Ellis’s cooking was an unspoken family event. In the sitting room, a white tablecloth covered the small dining table, just like in their “special dinners” growing up. Chef Lizo appeared, dapper in a white shirt, black trousers, and a bow tie — a playful nod to the shows he used to put on before serving. He set down a steaming bowl of velvety groundnut soup, the tender meat peeking through the surface, followed by a mound of soft, fluffy rice. Then, with a quick turn of the dial, Ofori Amponsah’s (Kwame K) smooth tunes filled the room. “Now it’s time for the ‘gourmet village classic,’” he grinned. They all laughed — to them, it was simply rice and groundnut soup, but with Ellis’ touch, it was a tradition they’d never forget. 32 The Birthday Journal C H E F
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