Behind the Mission: Big ‘Mo

Meet Jonah “Big ‘Mo” Chasin—a beloved First Descents Chef since 2018! Driven by a passion for good food and adventure, Big ‘Mo made the move from Boston to New York City in 2001 to attend the Natural Gourmet Institute. Since then, he’s worked in restaurants, for catering companies and as a private chef. After hearing about First Descents from fellow colleagues, he knew it was the perfect fit. Cooking nourishing meals in breathtaking settings for incredible people—paired with epic outdoor adventures—is Big ‘Mo’s ultimate recipe for happiness. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him traveling, eating tasty snacks and hanging out with his favorite feline friends.

What is your favorite outdoor activity and why?

Kayaking! I just started to learn, and I am loving it!

Favorite part about your job:

Meeting all of the awesome people in the FD community. Everyone that comes on these trips has the most amazing stories, and they are such great people. Staff included!

Favorite Core Program memory:

On one of our programs, we had a participant who was severely allergic to tree nuts. She spoke to us at the beginning of the week about her concerns, and we assured her we would take special care to not contaminate her food, and we would label every dish. She was nervous at first, but then we gained her trust. On the last day at campfire, she told us how much she was able to relax and take in the experience because she did not have to worry about having an allergic reaction to the food.

Fun fact about yourself:

I have visited 80 countries.

What’s one thing you can’t live without?

Immersing myself in bodies of water.

Name 3 people you’d have over for dinner (dead or alive):

My father, who passed away 32 years ago, Gilda Radner and Dirty, a fellow FD Chef.

Where would your dream vacation be and why?

Brazil and Japan are on my bucket list.