Cool People Doing Cool Things- Chef Amber Lehman of MyTáque

Black excellence can come in many forms of success when rising and prospering beyond societal expectations or just existing as one’s true, authentic self. Whether it is through finding solutions that lead to opening a business, facing life’s adversities, or pursuing passions to find strength and growth to serve others, businesswoman Amber Lehman of MyTáque (Mī/ tāk) harnesses her extraordinary talents through the experience of being a black personal chef (in a male-dominated field, no less) and beyond. It’s her joy, sparkle of black excellence, and fury of being unapologetically herself that elevates MyTáque’s brand that should be celebrated around the table (cooking completed by her, of course).

The birth of MyTáque occurred during the throes of a pungent pandemic. Newly sprouting, Lehman uses her fresh flavor and zest of resources to create an entire savored experience. As part of her business model, Lehman offers private food concierge services, in-home cooking sessions, and personalized catering while curating an Instagram blog centered around three objectives: know, grow, and show. These three pillars of her blog ultimately lead to not just food highlights, but the wholehearted, multi-level experiences that come along with her service through the power of healthy food education, focused growth on sustainability, and her adroit expertise in critiquing and collaborating with the local food industry in Pittsburgh. 

Lehman says, “The name originates from the mixture of my take on food mixed with the critique I give on both my food and others.” Hence, MyTáque. Voila! 

The clever mindfulness outside of her business concept and the inside of the intricacies to her culinary career stems from the tasteful talents of her mother and two grandmothers.

“Mary, my paternal grandmother, introduced me to soul food; my deep, black roots,” Lehman says. “Debbie, my maternal grandmother, introduced me to my Portuguese and Italian roots, my Bermudian background. They provided my canvas and strengthened my palate.”

Her diverse flavors are celebrated from the generational greatness of making memories in the kitchen. She brings that family nostalgia and openness for a conversation to clients in order to evoke experiences through the celebration of palatable deliciousness from her brand aesthetic. 

Lehman says, “Food is bigger than the suppression of hunger. It is an expression, a way to bring people and communities together and my way of life.”

While keeping COVID-19 health guidelines in mind, Lehman has safely curated whole, intimate home experiences, collaborated with fun and flavorful incentives with Black Owned PGH, while promoting the importance of local sourcing with some of her favorite mom-and-pop shops that include Tom Friday’s Market in Brighton Heights and Linea Verde Green Market in Bloomfield.

The above is only a taste of her work. Her cooking speaks for itself, so be sure to check out her mouthwatering display of dishes and stay up-to-date on all of her exciting happenings in the near future by following MyTáque on Instagram and MyTáque on Facebook for the full experience. 

MyTáque is currently accepting bookings and can be discussed by contacting Amber Lehman at arlehman@mytaque.com. 

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.