Left: Chip Mercer with Honey, his favorite four-legged Paradise resident.
Executive Chef Chip Mercer embodied Paradise’s unique Southern hospitality. For almost 2 years, visitors to the farm enjoyed freshly prepared meals by this highly trained food expert, and they always left happy and VERY satisfied. Chef Mercer often shared that working for Paradise was his “favorite job ever,” and we loved having him and his vast knowledge around every day.
A native of nearby Chattanooga, Chef Mercer was trained in the classics by Master Chef Paul Kummer, then taught himself expertise in contemporary and ethnic cuisine. During his 25 years of experience in the food industry, he served as Executive Chef in many of Chattanooga’s finest restaurants, including the Southside Grill, Bluff View Art District, and Vine St. Market.
Chef Mercer enhanced his dishes by doing much of his own organic gardening and growing heirloom produce, including native plants and old tomato varieties. He constantly graced us with new dishes featuring his seasonal herbs and produce, and he always made sure we were well-fed and taken care of, even between meals.