Meet Our Friends: Aaron McCargo, Jr.

Don’t miss Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr. at the Kids Food Festival at Bryant Park in NYC! Join Aaron on our free Main Stage on March 1st at 11:00 am, as he makes his addictive buffalo chicken cucumber cups.

In 2008, Aaron McCargo, Jr. competed on and won season four of The Next Food Network Star, beating out thousands of culinary hopefuls for the ultimate dream job–his own Food Network show. On Big Daddy’s House, Aaron shared his passion for big, bold flavors and fun, family cooking. From comfort foods to barbeque favorites to breakfast delights, Aaron whips up mouth-watering recipes inspired by many years of culinary experience and his fun-loving family while bringing a down-to-earth vibe and warm smile to the kitchen.

In 2010, Aaron’s cookbook entitled, “Simply Done, Well Done” entered bookstores nationwide offering up the delectable menu choices showcased on his series in an easy to prepare, simple way making his good cooking available in people’s kitchens everywhere. Aaron also launched a product line of spices thereby furthering his quest to make flavorful, bold foods available to everyone.

A family man who adores all things flavorful, Aaron’s passion for cooking was sparked at the age of four when he started baking cakes in his sister’s Easy Bake Oven. Always an entrepreneur at heart, Aaron began making and selling cakes and cookies to his childhood friends. At the age of 13, Aaron was as a Junior Volunteer in the kitchen at Cooper Hospital University. He has since worked in nine New Jersey restaurants including casual and fine dining. In 2003, Aaron opened his own restaurant in Camden, N.J., called McCargo’s Restaurant.  He also served as the executive VIP catering chef at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. He attended Atlantic Cape Community College’s Academy of Culinary Arts.

Born and raised in Camden, N.J., Aaron regularly speaks to youth at community schools and events illustrating that they too can succeed despite the odds. Honoring him for his success and service, Camden Mayor Gwendolyn Faison presented Aaron with the keys to the city in 2008 and designated September 25 as Aaron McCargo, Jr. Day.

Aaron is the founder of the PlayToWin charity, whose charter is to provide services to male youth primarily residing in single parent homes in the City of Camden and demonstrate at risk behaviors.  He is currently working on his latest cookbook and awaiting the highly anticipated opening of his newest restaurant, McCargo’s Bistro.

Facebook Page: facebook.com/ChefMcCargoJr

Website: aaronmccargo.com

Twitter: @ChefMcCargo

What was your favorite food to eat as a child?

My favorite food as a child was a loaded plate of super meaty spaghetti and meat sauce loaded with Italian sausage, meatballs, and pepperoni, with Stella Dora breadsticks.

Do you have children? If so, what do you like to make for them or with them?

My kids love to make soups in the kitchen or anything saucy, like chili or spaghetti and meat sauce. I like to make smoked BBQ meats with them, or anything involving smoking or grilling.

What is your favorite childhood memory in the kitchen?

My favorite childhood memory was picking fresh produce from our backyard garden: tomatoes ,jalapeños, bell peppers, and scallions. Then we would chop them up and turn them into a salsa or pico! 

What was your favorite recipe to help make when you were a kid?

My favorite recipe to make as a kid was definitely cakes from scratch, so that I could lick the spoon and the beaters!

The Creative Kitchen™, LLC, teaches children about food and how to cook in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Targeting families with children ages two to teen, the company focuses on teaching, writing creative content and curriculum, special events, recipe development, spokesperson work, webisode production and consulting to present educational and entertaining content through food-related activities. The founder, Cricket Azima, is an expert in cooking for and with children. She inspires kids to express themselves creatively through food and cooking, while complementing lessons with traditional educational material such as social studies, math, arts, science, and more. Visit www.thecreativekitchen.com for more information.