Chef Walks First (Jessica Paemonekot {Oneyaw Neskehsak}), is the Executive Chef & Owner of Ketapanen Kitchen. Chef Walks First currently owns the only Native American Catering Co. We are celebrating the launch of her newest catering business venture Ketapanen Kitchen. Chef Walks First is a classically trained Chef, having studied at Le Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts. Walks First is an enrolle
d member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin but grew up in Chicago's Native community. Chef Walks First's mother Linda taught her to cook at a young age. Being an active community member, she always found herself helping out in the kitchen at gatherings. Her mother taught her that food is the centerpiece of life. Whether it's a family dinner, a community gathering, or a ceremony... a shared meal brings people together. Jessica was taught to cook with love; putting prayers, good thoughts, and good feelings into every dish she prepares. It was from these teachings and philosophies that Ketapanen Kitchen was born. Ketapanen is an expression of love in the Menominee Language, which was fitting to use as the name of the kitchen.
