Jamaican Sean John was heralded as one of a select few chosen by Macy’s Culinary Council during Black History Month. Cited for excellence and superlative cooking he was named “one of New York’s hottest chefs.”
Operator and chef of Spur Tree Lounge, a three-year-old, lower eastside, Manhattan establishment. which boasts a menu combining music, food and culture, John was chosen by the MCC, a culinary initiative comprised of 15 of the nation’s top chefs whose aim is to impact the way customers shop, cook and eat at home.
“These chefs serve as the face of Macy’s housewares and food service divisions and help guide consumers in selecting the best tools of trade,” the web portal claims.
Recently John was invited to prepare a dish at the kitchen/studio of the midtown department store in order to familiarize shoppers with his native recipe.
During a demonstration, he prepared his national dish, ackee and saltfish. From a kitchen at the acclaimed world’s largest department store, John prepared ackee and cod bruschetta, a meal he described to be appropriate for either breakfast or dinner. John’s introduction of his national dish to a predominantly unfamiliar audience presented the combination fruit and fish dish served on coco bread.
The in-store presentation guided guests on how to wash, season and cook the Norwegian preserved fish which combined with the island’s favored fruit is the national dish.
John explained the origin of the West African fruit, which he said is not eaten on the continent or in many islands of the Caribbean. In the short period he also informed guests that only canned fruit are available in the United States. After a short while on the stove, the sumptuous dish was served to the crowd.
Many said although they were unfamiliar with the combination, expressed a desire to try the all-occasion Jamaican recipe. In addition some said they would visit the lower eastside John operates and said was named from the town on the island where his grandmother prepared the dish when was a youth. Spur Tree Lounge is located at 76 Orchard St. (bet Broome & Grand Sts.) and opens daily for dinner and brunch.
Reggae Meets Chutney In T&T
For the first time in the 30-year tradition of the International Reggae and World Music Awards, nominations for 2010 winners will be announced from the house of Angostura, in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Slated for March 16, the best in world and Caribbean music for 2010 will be revealed worldwide on television and radio stations there. Simultaneously, internet, social networks, mobile-phones and other broadcast medium will release the nominees and special awardees voted by a global audience of music lovers.
Allegedly, hundreds of music experts participated in the nomination selection process, which closed on Jan. 31. Music experts (entertainers, media representatives, producers, promoters and record label representatives) from around the world submitted nominations for the best of 2010 based on the criteria set by IRAWMA.
The nominations preview the gala weekend celebration which begins on May 26 and continues through May 30. The actual presentation ceremony will be held on May 28, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in the capital city of Trinidad. A concert billed “Reggae Meets Chutney/Soca” will be held on May 29.
Fans worldwide will be the first to watch, listen and vote for the IRAWMA nominees by visiting www.irawma.com.
Catch You On The Inside!
