Lifestyle

The Jamaica Observer Food Awards welcomes Marco Pierre White

Thursday, July 08, 2010

Come July 22, the Caribbean's most prestigious affair in culinary appreciation -- the Jamaica Observer Food Awards -- will take centre stage on the East Lawns of Devon House. And partaking in the ceremonies will be internationally renowned chef Marco Pierre White in the coveted role of guest chef.

White isn't just a famous cook, he is regarded as one of the finest chefs of his generation and is credited with helping to change perceptions of British cuisine from cold meats and pie to truly exciting culinary fare.

His London restaurant, Harveys in Wandsworth Commons, was ground zero for a culinary revolution some 20 years ago and some of the most influential chefs in the world today have benefited from his mentorship, including Eric Chavot, Mario Batoli, Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay.

White's rise on the culinary stage was nothing short of meteoric. In fact, by the time he was 33, he had been conferred three Michelin Stars -- for a time, the youngest chef to have received such an honour, and still the only Brit to do so.

White, of course, famously gave back his stars in 1999 and retired from commercial cooking. The Michelin Guide, he has said, had become the symbol of an industry too obsessed with appealing to a certain aesthetic rather than catering to the wants of customers.

White did not keep his hands out of the industry, however, having helped to establish the exclusive White Star Line chain of restaurants. The savvy restaurateur currently has stakes in a number of restaurants in the UK including Frankies, The Yew Tree Inn and Marco.

During his retirement, his passion for creating magic in the kitchen was re-ignited during a visit to our very own shores.

Three years ago, White visited Jamaica and was enthralled by the bounty of Jamaican produce and by the potency of its cuisines. The simple methods of food preparation were inspiring and the earnestness of its distinct flavours was, to him, exciting.

"Jamaica brings out the best in me," he told the Observer during his 2007 stay. "There's a special kind of spirituality and that's what I want to see in the food here -- Jamaican, sophisticated, but humble and intelligent. I hate the snobbery of food and particularly food that's overworked. Chefs are insecure and paint pictures on huge plates to hide their lack of technical ability. They're doing it for themselves, not for their guests. If you force things in life, they break. Allow people to simply enjoy their meal."

We're sure White will have plenty to enjoy on his return to Jamaica, considering that he will be treated to the creations of the final chefs in the islands during the coveted Food Awards on July 22.

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