In this exclusive feature, Chef Shawn Osbey, known internationally as The Traveling Chef, joins Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, for a conversation on the future of luxury hospitality. Chef Shawn has built a reputation for blending American foundations with global influences drawn from his journeys across continents. His work spans luxury events, media appearances, culinary strategy, and high-profile collaborations that highlight his creative range. With experience in both celebrated restaurant kitchens and large-scale premium dining, he brings a perspective shaped by real cultural engagement and a deep respect for ingredients and community. In this interview, he reflects on the role of culture, emotion, and authenticity in defining what luxury means today and what guests are seeking in modern culinary experiences.

Alexander Chetchikov: Chef Shawn, as “The Traveling Chef,” you’ve explored diverse cultures and cuisines around the world. In your view, how is cultural immersion becoming a new benchmark for luxury hospitality?

Chef Shawn Osbey: I think people are starting to want more than just a nice room or a good meal — they want to feel connected to the place they’re in. When you let guests experience the culture, the people, the stories behind the food, that’s when it becomes real luxury. It’s about creating moments they can’t get anywhere else.

AC: Luxury consumers today expect more than exceptional food; they seek meaningful experiences. How do you transform culinary moments into emotional, memorable journeys?

SO: I focus on how I want people to feel first. A great dish is technical, sure, but the emotion is what stays with you. I try to create little moments — a flavor that reminds you of home, a dish that surprises you, a story behind an ingredient. When you tap into that, the experience goes way beyond the plate.

AC: Storytelling plays a powerful role in gastronomy. How do you weave cultural heritage and narrative into your dishes?

SO: For me, food is personal. I pull from my upbringing, from the big family dinners I grew up on, and I mix that with things I’ve learned traveling. I love blending Southern roots with techniques or flavors I pick up abroad. That’s how I tell a story — by putting pieces of my journey right on the plate.

AC: You work across travel, food, and cultural landscapes. What lessons can luxury brands learn from the culinary world about creating authenticity and connection?

SO: Keep it real. People can feel when something is genuine. In the kitchen, authenticity comes from respecting your ingredients and the cultures you’re inspired by. Luxury brands can take the same approach — lead with intention, pay attention to the details, and make people feel like the experience was created just for them.

AC: What role do sustainability, local ingredients, and ethical sourcing play in shaping a truly modern luxury experience?

SO: A huge role. People care about where their food comes from now. They want to know it’s fresh, local, and responsibly sourced. To me, that’s modern luxury — knowing the story behind your ingredients and doing right by the people and communities you’re sourcing from. It adds depth to the experience.

AC: What is the most memorable cultural or culinary experience that has influenced your approach to luxury hospitality?

SO: South Africa, without question. The food, the energy, the way people welcome you — it all hit me in a different way. There’s so much pride and history in the cuisine. It reminded me that hospitality is really about heart. It’s about making people feel seen and cared for, no matter how fancy the setting is.

AC: Looking ahead, what opportunities excite you most as luxury hospitality continues to evolve?

SO: I’m excited about how creative things are becoming. People want immersive dining, destination experiences, collaborations… all the stuff that lets chefs tell bigger stories. It feels like the lines between travel, culture, and food are blending in a really fun way, and there’s so much room to push boundaries. I’m ready for all of it.

Thank you, Chef Shawn! Chef Shawn’s journey reflects a commitment to growth, creativity, and meaningful hospitality, and his influence will continue to inspire the industry as it evolves.

Follow his journey here: https://linktr.ee/ChefShawn

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