Meet the Team

ERICA RAINS - OWNER

Where are you from and what brought you to Nashville?

I am proudly from Nashville, born at our own Vanderbilt, growing up in Nashville, Brentwood, and Murfreesboro, and watching the city grow and change over the decades. I love the history here, and am happy that I am from Music City, as the music is in my blood. (Remind me to tell you about my years in radio and fronting an 80’s cover band on the coast sometime.)

What is your role with The Chef and I?

My role here is multi-faceted. I own The Chef and I with my husband, Chef Chris Rains. I believe in our company with every ounce of my being, and am so proud of Chris-celebrating his 20^th year in Nashville as an Executive Chef and our fourth year with this company. We wanted to start something that made a difference in the culinary world, and share our story. My titles include (but are totally not limited to) account executive, marketing director, cheerleader, published journalist, magazine department editor, television script writer, keeper of the chef, and the most delicious of them all, taste tester.

What is your career background?

My career is one that will make for a good made-for-tv movie one day. For now, the short version: Radio Personality, Television Host, media buyer, advertising executive, magazine journalist, magazine department editor, newspaper editor, event planner and culinary staff manager, and much more…I’ve always been a workaholic and dive 100% into everything! Why not? Life is short!

What is your “claim to fame”?

My claim to fame? In radio I contemplated name-dropping here, but instead, I’ll say this: I’ve met global superstars-some were awesome, some were insane, some were just plain ol’ mean. But they were just humans, and I find consumer behavior and marketing psychology fascinating. We, the fans, make these people famous. I was on the radio for most of my adult life, and so I had the ‘famous in a small town’ situation when I lived on the coast for a few years. It was surreal, and strange, and yes, it was awesome. I love the spotlight, but I also like being behind the scenes and seeing what makes things tick! I am looking forward to getting back into tv with my tv-husband-chef. Great things to come kids, tune in!

What is your favorite menu item that Chef Chris has created?

My favorite item that Executive Chef Chris Rains has created is a tough one: I’ll have to go with three. Sorry. Salmon, anyway he wants to make it for me-the best by far I’ve ever had. He has a knack (he’s from Seattle too). Buttered leaks-my favorite vegetable now thanks to him. Lobster bisque-it’s sinful folks.

One last thing: I am so honored that you are even reading this far, so I must say thank you to anyone who has encouraged us along the way, supported us, referred us, believed in us, and been there for us. We couldn’t have done it without you, and as we move forward, you will be more of an integral part of our journey. And we can’t wait to share it with you. The Chef and I is taking off. Get in and hang on. I try to remind people of this in life: Stand in as much light as you can. And for heaven’s sake, don’t forget to dance. ~Peace~