Akasha Richmond, who served as Michael Jackson’s tour chef during two of his most iconic tours, has recently celebrated a poignant moment at the premiere of the biopic “Michael” in Los Angeles. The event, held at the TCL Chinese Theatre, allowed Richmond to reflect on her memories with the pop star while also allowing her former workplace, The Golden Temple, to receive an unexpected acknowledgment in the film.
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Richmond, now 66, first encountered Jackson while working at The Golden Temple, a renowned vegetarian restaurant in Los Angeles which is now closed. Following that initial meeting, she became a key member of his culinary team, travelling extensively with Jackson during both the Bad Tour from 1987 to 1989 and the HIStory World Tour between 1996 and 1997. During these years, Richmond not only prepared meals for the singer but also catered various parties and events.
At the premiere of “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua, Richmond shared her delight at seeing familiar moments from her time with Jackson captured on screen. One scene that particularly stood out for her involved a dramatic reference to the infamous Pepsi commercial incident in which Jackson’s hair caught fire. In a touching moment, the film’s characters referenced The Golden Temple, bringing back fond memories for Richmond and providing a gratifying nod to the restaurant’s legacy.
At the premiere, Richmond delighted attendees with a special treat by baking Jackson’s favourite maple-pecan cookies, affectionately called “ookies.” Reflecting on the film, she expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The film’s great … People were screaming. The fans were going nuts in the audience.” Richmond praised the performances, particularly highlighting Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal of his uncle, asserting that the family is pleased with the finished product.
The film prompted Richmond to reminisce about her unique journey alongside Jackson. Despite not being formally trained as a chef, she developed her culinary skills through hands-on experience and learning from various sources, including cookbooks and cooking classes. When she started at The Golden Temple, her focus on creating exceptional dishes allowed her to keep her composure, even when serving artists and celebrities.
Richmond recalls her first introduction to Jackson, describing a shy yet professional interaction. She was focused on delivering great food rather than being starstruck by the famous singer, who was also known for his reserved nature. Her relationship with Jackson blossomed when she began catering personal dinners for him before she was eventually invited to join him on tour.
Following initial successes with catering, Jackson requested Richmond to accompany him for the Bad Tour, where her culinary expertise played a vital role in keeping the artist and his team well-fed during extensive travel. Reflecting on her experiences, Richmond commented, “I always say Michael Jackson taught me how to travel,” emphasising the educational aspect of her adventures.
Today, Richmond has successfully combined her passion for both food and travel by founding her own business, Travel by Akasha. This innovative venture facilitates intimate group vacations that allow travellers to experience different cultures through local perspectives and gastronomical delights, promoting the essence of personal connections in culinary experiences.
The inspiration for her travel business originated from a decade ago when she felt a profound desire to revisit India, having travelled there twice. After friends expressed interest in joining her on this journey, she connected with professionals in the travel industry who specialise in managing local experiences. This led to a memorable trip with a group, where Richmond found herself reliving the camaraderie and excitement reminiscent of her days on tour with Jackson.
As Richmond continues to nurture her love for food and travel through her new project, her experiences with Michael Jackson remain an indelible part of her legacy—both as a cherished memory and a source of inspiration. The premiere of “Michael” not only rekindled those memories but also provided a platform for her to celebrate her journey and the impact Jackson had on her life.