MEET JESS RICE
AWARD-WINNING +
HEALTH-FOCUSED
PERSONAL CHEF
CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE THINK ABOUT HEALTH, ONE PLATE AT A TIME.
Jess Rice is a dedicated advocate of the plant-based lifestyle and has created gourmet, organic cuisine across the United States. In her former career, Rice worked in public relations and marketing. She was drawn to experiment with plant-based foods in response to the toll late nights spent networking and long days sitting at a desk eventually took on her health. She experienced life-changing results once she eliminated animal-based foods, GMOs and gluten from her own diet. Gradually, she began helping others do the same and decided to pursue formal training as a chef and holistic health coach.
Leaving her sedentary office job in 2013, Rice focused on her business full-time, supplying local eateries (The Wild Cow, Juice Bar, 8th & Roast) with healthy raw foods and began teaching plant-based nutrition classes independently and with Metro Nashville’s Community Education Commission. Between 2013 and 2014, Rice completed culinary training at celebrated chef Matthew Kenney’s Culinary Academy in Santa Monica, California and obtained detox coaching certifications and holistic chef certifications with Naturopath Dr. Amy Rachelle in Indonesia.
In 2015, Rice opened AVO and made waves in the vibrant dining scene in Nashville; AVO is the first plant-based restaurant to win “Best New Restaurant” in the annual and highly-anticipated Nashville Scene’s Reader’s Poll. Rice’s taking a completely health-focused and locally-sourced approach to prepare plant-based cuisine has driven her success. Jess was elected one of Nashville’s “25 Most Beautiful People” in Nashville Lifestyles Magazine and was named one of the country’s “Hottest Plant-Based Chefs” in Thrive Magazine before she appeared as the keynote speaker at the inaugural Nashville VegFest.
After selling AVO, Rice hit the road with legendary recording artist, Neil Young, working as his personal chef. Tying together her past in the entertainment world and her passion for food, Jess has cooked for a number of artists including Depeche Mode, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Wayne Coyne, and Kellie Pickler.
Jess appeared on Trisha Yearwood's Food Network show, "Trisha's Southern Kitchen" earlier this year for the second time as a guest in the episode, “Girl’s Night!” In her first appearance on the show, an episode called “Sharpen Up!”, Jess was featured helping Trisha and her sister Beth sharpen up their knife skills in the kitchen.
From classes and consulting to touring with artists, Jess is proud to share her passion for health and wellness
Jess brings authenticity, hilarity, and approachable charm to her work. She is a true pleasure to work with, and her energy is contagious. Our guests were equally entertained and inspired by Jess' insights, and we look forward to working together again in many other capacities.
Tamara Jensen - Proprietor, Dispatch; Co-founder #SheCV
Jess Rice on Trisha Yearwood's Food Network show, "Trisha's Southern Kitchen"
There are few people I’ve ever met more passionate about their craft than Jess. Her ability to elevate nourishment into delicacy is as impressive as it is inspiring. It’s impossible to be around her without absorbing some of her zest for life, wellness, and food. A true teacher, Jess combines practical tips with professional skills to create a truly unique and valuable experience. If you’re looking to up your vegetable game or impress your friends with chef-level knife skills her classes, workshops, and events are not to be missed.
Elizabeth Moore, CEO, TRILUNA Wellness
