Famous Naples chef cooks at Vice President Kamala Harris' residence in Washington, D.C.

Chef-owner Asif Syed of 21 Spices made his third return to the nation’s capital, this time to cook for Vice President Kamala Harris at a reception earlier this month.

The owner of the East Naples restaurant cooked for an official reception recognizing Eid-Al-Adha, the second and the largest of the two main Muslim holidays. The July 11 celebration was co-hosted with First Gentleman Douglas Emhoff in collaboration with nonprofit El-Hibri Foundation.

Harris said the event was the first of its kind observance at the residence. When addressing her guests in the beautifully decorated reception space, Harris said, “There’s plenty of food. My mother raised me right.”

The line earned audible laughter from her guests.

Sworn to secrecy but food was delicious

Indeed. Syed prepared a multi-course feast, including many passed hors d'oeuvres preceding the sit-down dinner. On hand to help: members from his 21 Spices culinary team and the residence’s chefs.

Since State Department security swore him to secrecy about the particulars, what we can share is that several of 21 Spices' greatest hits were served, including “Chicken 65,” mustard-encrusted lamb chops, mini-vegetable samosas, a New York Strip ragout and a dessert assortment that included custard coconut truffles and creamy-cheesy gulab jamun ras malai.

As Naples’ defacto culinary ambassador whose repeat Food Network appearances earn him recognition beyond city limits, he sounds honored and humbled by the experience and for Naples, whose "culinary scene is one of the best in the country right now."

“Naples is my home. I love it here. It’s a proud moment for my family too.”

When asked which kitchen was easier to maneuver, Syed’s preference is his restaurant's kitchen, where everything is customized for his needs. This recently remarried dad to three is currently renovating his home kitchen too.

Popular chef for D.C.'s powerful

In 2022, Syed met President Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden at the first-ever White House-hosted Eid al-Fitr reception, the three-day holiday commemorating the end of Ramadan and celebrated among the world’s approximately 2 billion Muslims.

Popular guy: Naples chef Asif Syed meets President Biden, first lady at White House

Syed next returned for 2023’s celebration at the White House on May 1, co-hosted by Biden and Harris.

A native of Hyderabad, India, Syed worked at the Hilton Marco Island Resort from 2001-2015 until he opened his own restaurant, 21 Spices.

His celebrity soared in the past decade especially after he appeared on Food Network Shows “Guy’s Grocery Games” and “Cutthroat Kitchen” and won “Beat Bobby Flay” with his tandoori chicken. The James Beard Foundation featured him in 2019.

And later that year, Syed served up his cuisine at USA TODAY's Wine & Food Experience at Cambier Park in Naples. The annual gathering this year ― presented by Pubilx, along with lead sponsors including the Naples Daily News, The News-Press and the USA Today Network ― is Sept. 30 at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples chef Asif Syed cooks at Vice President Kamala Harris' residence