Local couple transform Owensboro’s food scene with a food truck named after their daughter
Photo by Jamie Plain
Cameron Anderson and Tatum Helm launched CamCooks4U – a catering and private chef business – in 2022, growing exponentially over the past two years. Well-known for their private dinner parties and farm-to-table experiences, the couple expanded their services to include a food truck.
Cameron and Tatum named the food truck Basil’s after their daughter with the ultimate mission of making fine food affordable. The operation takes the form of a retrofitted black school bus. It offers various traditional food truck items and healthy and vegan options, emphasizing locally sourced ingredients.
Tatum said customers can expect the typical food truck fare with a scratch-made twist. Those seeking something lighter can enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches, and power bowls of rice or quinoa with proteins, mixed greens, and other toppings.
“Our big game plan is to make scratch food available and affordable, which we think will be a game changer in the food truck realm,” Cameron said. “We’re excited to offer Owensboro something a little different and make fancy food affordable.”
The farm-to-table concept and sourcing ingredients locally are priorities for the couple, leaning on local farmers for proteins and produce. It continues further as Cameron also grows herbs and relies on local producers for honey, bourbon, and more.
Cameron and Tatum were chefs in their own right before meeting each other — Cameron went to a culinary school in Louisville, and Tatum has been cooking her entire life.
Cameron traces his passion for cooking to a childhood spent in his late Nana Norma Waller’s kitchen. Much like his Nana, he takes great pride in creating everything from scratch.
But, more than anything, Cameron likes how food brings people together.
“What intrigued me was how her food brought our family togetherness, happiness, and love,” he said. “It’s special to sit with your family and smile over food. I can be on the other end now and see families and friends converse while enjoying my food – It’s the best feeling as a chef.”
Tatum shares a similar experience with her father and long-time companion in the kitchen. When she first met Cameron, she said his passion for food immediately reminded her of her dad.
“I found somebody with the same passion as me,” she said. “I knew we had something special and needed to pursue our dreams. Hopefully, we can do it together for the rest of our lives.”
Cameron added that the kitchen has always been his “safe place,” allowing him to escape his worries and overcome bouts of anxiety. As the seasons and weather change, so does Cameron’s menu, but it’s not just because of local produce availability.
“I love creating food based on the weather and how it makes me feel that particular day, feeding off of the seasons and what local farmers have that I can use in my dishes,” he said. “In the kitchen, I can escape my worries and be myself. Cooking, in general, has helped my mental health in more ways than one. I am forever thankful for it and that it is my profession.”
The two-person team knows what it takes to create something special, often spending long hours in the kitchen. But they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Tatum said fostering a family atmosphere is key with the catering business and the food truck.
“We’re very family-oriented, and we want everyone to enjoy and experience our food,” she said. “We can’t wait to bring our knowledge together to create something different and offer high-end food to the masses with Basil’s.”
The couple has rallied off dinners for several local businesses, universities, families, and more. They’ve catered weddings, celebrations, and private dinner parties. They’ve partnered with local establishments to bring new ideas and innovations to the Owensboro food scene.
Cameron and Tatum both attribute the success to the community’s support.
“The community’s support has been amazing; we’re just trying to build our success,” Tatum said. “We’re constantly receiving positive feedback, and I think that’s the best part: making other people feel happy with our food.”