Home of Eclectic Soul Food
NEWS & AWARDS
AWARDS, CONTESTS & COMPETITIONS
FusionFest
Culinary Arts Contest Pro
1st Place Winner
2023
Florida Restaurant & Lodging
Rapid Fire Challenge
1st Place Winner
2023
Achievement Academy
Top Chef of Polk County
Community Choice Award
2026
Aramark
Best of Local Restaurant Row
Most Unique Award
2025
Food Network
The Great Food Truck Race - Season 17
2024
PLATES ON DECK PRESS & NEWS
Orlando Voyager
Hidden Gems: Meet Ken James of Plates On Deck
A feature interview on Chef Ken’s journey from Queens to Central Florida and the story behind Eclectic Soul Food.
Haven Magazine
Best of LKLD 2023 — 3rd Place, Best Soul Food Restaurant
Plates On Deck placed 3rd for Best Soul Food Restaurant in Haven Magazine’s Best of LKLD awards.
Haven Magazine
Love, Passion, and Skill on a Plate
A dedicated profile on Chef Ken’s story and the philosophy behind Eclectic Soul Food.
LAL Today
Lakeland Startups & Small Businesses We're Watching
Named among Lakeland’s small businesses to watch for our Eclectic Soul Food, private events, and catering.
FusionFest (YouTube)
Diverse Orange with Ken James
Chef Ken joins FusionFest’s Diverse Orange series.
Aspects of Life with Karen (YouTube)
Foodies Will Love This Video!! Plates on Deck with Chef Ken
A behind-the-scenes video feature on Plates On Deck with Chef Ken.
LkldNow
Polk County Couple Catapults to Fame on 'The Great Food Truck Race'
A local feature on Chef Ken and Ziomara’s run on Food Network’s The Great Food Truck Race, Season 17.