Make Almost Famous Even More Famous

Stop everything. Before I do anything else I want to encourage you to support a hocolocal culinary entrepreneur who has been nominated for a big honor.

This week, the Restaurant Association of Maryland named their annual awards finalists in the categories of: chef, manager, server, and bartender of the year. 

See a familiar face? Althea Hanson, of Althea’s Almost Famous, has been nominated for Chef of the Year.

You may have seen Hanson’s Food Truck at local events and/or Farmers’ Markets. 

I wrote about trying her food for the first time about a year ago. I’ve since gone back to try out all her varieties of Jamaican patties. Everything I have tried from Althea’s Almost Famous has been delicious and I frequently see posts from other satisfied customers on social media. 

In addition to cooking up fresh Jamaican deliciousness all around the community, Ms. Hanson has also taken an active role in philanthropy by establishing a scholarship at Howard Community College in memory of her father. 

Image from March 2022 fundraiser at HCC

The Roy Peart Scholarship for HCC Students: Roy Peart worked for Howard Community College for 18 years where he was loved and appreciated by both students and co-workers. Roy was an amazing singer bringing smiles to everyone. He was also known for his jokes that would make laugh for days. 

Mr. Peart’s family has established a scholarship at HCC in memory of their father. Because of his deep love of the arts, the scholarship will be used to support students pursuing theatre, music, or dance. 

Ms. Hanson came to Columbia as a teen and brought with her the memories and experiences of many hours spent in the kitchen with her Jamaican grandmother. Now you can buy Althea’s Almost Famous signature products at her website, pick up food from her local food truck, and hire her to cater your next event. 

One more thing: you can go immediately from reading this piece to casting your vote in the Maryland Restaurant Association contest. Althea Hanson is the only chef nominated from Columbia/HoCo. Let’s support her!

Here’s where you go to cast your vote: Maryland Restaurant Association Gala. Voting ends on Sunday, Feb. 26th. 

Althea’s Almost Famous is on Facebook , Instagram , and TikTok.