A Message From The Chef

My name is Alyssa Smith, I am 23 years old and been working in the foodservice industry for 6 years but the last 3 primarily focusing on plant-based cuisine, influenced by my sudden lifestyle choice of becoming vegan. When I moved here in 2017 I felt the presence of a common ancestor through the connection of food from the land and the conscious efforts to eat ethically and harmoniously with nature. I'd like to think I create plant-based dishes for everyone to enjoy, making sure to implement local produce and a variety of culturally rich dishes. I learned from some of my favorites and after being a line cook for a few years here on Oahu, I decided to work independently as a private chef and caterer. I created my business Freshoverflesh in January of 2019. When Covid 19 initially hit forcing farmer's markets and event spaces to close their doors, my business took a huge toll. I then realized the advantage of an independent mobile unit in order to stay open and stay safe. I abruptly stopped taking the few orders I was blessed to still be receiving to step out of the kitchen, and into my dreams. After making the announcement, I received an overwhelming amount of support and donations from fellow business owners and loving customers. My friend Zee bought me a power drill, another donated some vinyl flooring and one couple even lent me their jigsaw; total lifesaver that then enabled me to build everything I needed. I single-handedly converted an old El Dorado transport bus into a beautiful up and coming plant-based food truck. You can watch the transformation from somewhat start to finish on our Instagram highlight bubble entitled "food bus". A few more expenses are needed to fully open, so in the meantime, you can support us at our featured pop-ups every Tuesday and Friday 11am - 4pm inside Fishcake; a contemporary art, furniture and workspace located in Kaka'ako.