Jumoké Jackson is a private chef for the stars, with a client list filled with some of the most famous people in the country. Also known as Mr. Foodtastic, Jackson has cooked for the likes of J. Cole and Gayle King. But one of his most notable clients is Grammy, Oscar, and Golden Globe-winning superstar Lady Gaga.
Even though Jackson rarely gets starstruck, Gaga was one celebrity he was especially nervous to meet. But when she immediately greeted him with a hug, he knew that they'd get along great.
Jackson followed Lady Gaga along during The Monster Ball Tour from 2009 to 2011, so he got a backstage look while the star performed one of her most critically acclaimed albums in cities all over the world. He also got insider intel on her favorite meals. And during that whirlwind tour, Jackson cooked for both Gaga and her crew, ran around international cities to find ingredients, and celebrated each show with VIP afterparties.
If you somehow don't know, Lady Gaga is "just an Italian girl from New York," so naturally she wants some Big Apple staples while she's on the road. And few dishes capture the magic of the city quite like a chop cheese (or chopped cheese, depending on who you ask). The combination of ground beef, American cheese, lettuce, and tomato evokes the savory comfort of a great cheeseburger. But instead of a patty on a bun, the meat is crumbled and served on a long hero roll.
Watch the video above to hear some more insider scoop about Lady Gaga and see how this bodega staple comes together. And if you want to replicate it at home, check out the recipe.
