Clifford A. Strong comes from a family of chefs.  He was born in Heidelberg, Germany.  He was raised in Ocean Springs, Mississippi where he developed his love of food and flavors.  He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi Culinary Arts Academy and apprenticed in Jacksonville, Florida. Cliff started his professional career cooking at award-winning Gulf Coast resort restaurants.  He specializes in Cajun and International cuisine and has an extensive background in catering and pastry preparation. In February 2005, he joined the Capital Plaza Hotel as Executive Chef and Director of Food and Beverage bringing his thirteen years of culinary experience to Frankfort.   Chef Cliff also does cooking demonstrations at the University of Kentucky/Kentucky State University Extension Office.