Dorian Southall is a Los Angeles-born Marine Corps veteran, self-taught chef, and founder of Scratch Test Kitchen—a private chef, catering, and culinary consulting company rooted in innovation, storytelling, and cultural connection. With over 7 years of experience leading high-performing teams in high-volume hospitality environments, Dorian blends operational excellence with creative culinary execution.
After serving in the military, Dorian transitioned into the food industry with a mission: to build meaningful, elevated dining experiences that connect people through bold flavors and shared stories. His work has been featured on Guy’s Grocery Games, Chef’s Roll, and in Food & Beverage Magazine, Amaré Magazine, and Great Taste Magazine.
Beyond events and private dining, Dorian is passionate about food education, creative entrepreneurship, and building platforms that uplift underrecognized talent—especially within the Black community. Inspired by his mother’s resilience and intuitive cooking, he brings a values-driven approach to everything he creates, whether it’s a multi-course tasting menu, a food-centered workshop, or an experimental card game blending psychology and play.
Dorian is open to collaborations, strategic partnerships, culinary innovation projects, and consulting opportunities that align with his vision of inclusive, story-driven hospitality and bold, purpose-led creativity.More...