storyteller. chef. author.

🙏Faith. Storytelling. Purpose. 📝

“This is the heart of what I do. Through food and conversation, I create spaces where stories are shared, connections are deepened, and purpose is nourished. It’s more than meals—it’s a movement.”

— Jermaine Abdual

Thought-provoking articles exploring identity, resilience, and faith, offering real-life lessons and actionable insights for living with purpose.

Celebrating culture through modern soul food, fusing faith, flavor, and storytelling to create unforgettable dining experiences.

simply Honest conversations about purpose, faith, and personal growth, blending storytelling, culture, and practical wisdom to inspire transformation.

✅CHECK OUT THE NEW VIRTUAL JOURNAL & DOCUSERIES!

✅CHECK OUT THE NEW VIRTUAL JOURNAL & DOCUSERIES!

Step behind the scenes and watch the journey unfold in my new virtual journal & vlog docuseries! From faith to food to storytelling, see how I’m building the vision, one dream at a time. Catch exclusive moments, real talk, and the heart behind it all.

🔒Lock in with me and join the journey!

GET THE BOOK 📖

Jermaine Abdual’s inspiring “running the race of life” story is about growing up confused, rejected, and looking for acceptance in all the wrong places. Jermaine shares his journey parallel to the beloved Tortoise and The Hare fable, where he intertwines lessons learned from the hand that he was dealt, and his own that prepared him to persevere through life’s challenges. You can also download the free companion journal and devotional to deepen your reflection and spiritual growth on the book page.

LATEST ON

THE PODCAST

Sidekicks & Stoolz is a cultural crossroad where purpose meets identity. Hosted by Jermaine Abdual, this podcast helps listeners uncover their God-given potential through honest conversations laced with humor, hope, and hard-hitting truths.

“more than a platform—it’s a movement toward authenticity, self-discovery & hope”

Sidekicks & Stoolz is a multi-platform journey through life's challenges and victories. Whether through podcast episodes or thought-provoking articles, he brings together relatable stories, actionable insights, and deep reflections to inspire your personal growth.

WELCOME TO THE BLOG

Latest Posts

the soul of rufus

Guided by passion and inspired by legacy, Chef Jermaine Abdual curates menus rooted in the timeless recipes of Chef Rufus Estes’ Good Things to Eat. Where History Meets innovation: Good Things to Eat, Reimagined.

📅Events

MAY 5TH 2025 (CINCO DE MAYO)

Broadview Park District

(Schroeder Park)

2600 S 13th Ave,

Broadview, IL 60155

AFRO-METIZO: A Cinco de Mayo Culinary Experience!

This Cinco de Mayo, we honor the untold story of African American and Mexican solidarity through a soulful tasting menu rooted in resilience, migration, and culture.

JOIN THE journey.

3 Days Away! Afro-Mestizo: A Cinco de Soul Experience is almost here and you do not want to miss it! We’re celebrating culture, connection, and community through a soulful tasting menu that blends Afro-Mexican + African American flavors in a w
A few weeks ago, I shared that I was transitioning from Spirit & Soul Catering to something that’s been brewing in my heart for a while now — Rufus by Jermaine Abdual. I'm excited (and honestly, a little emotional) to officially say
After the Journey… It’s Time. In 5 years I hosted two listening sessions for an album that took a year to create. Then… life hit. That album sat on pause, collecting dust—but never lost its power. Every lyric I wrote back t
40 Days of Intentionally Changing My Algorithm Day 39: Torn This morning I read Mark 15:33–38. There's a lot of things that have gone through my mind for the past 39 days. There are parts of me that feel torn, tired, and emotionally cracked o
40 Days of Intentionally Changing My Algorithm Day 39: Torn This morning I read Mark 15:33–38. There's a lot of things that have gone through my mind for the past 39 days. There are parts of me that feel torn, tired, and emotionally cracked o
40 Days of Intentionally Changing My Algorithm Days 37 & 38: Father, Stretch My Hands Had to get caught up 😁. Today's passages in Luke 23:44–46 helped me realize that it’s easy to talk faith when the sun is shining. But here’
40 Days of Intentionally Changing My Algorithm Day 36: Paradise A few years ago, my wife took me on a trip to Cancun for my 50th birthday. It was beautiful. Every day when I woke up, I would look outside and say to myself, Man this is paradise! It