Caribbean Cuisine Month Continues…
Back in the days in the ‘Boogie Down Bronx’ I had no idea I would become friends with a young man who would one day become a renowned Celebrity Chef. Fast forward to 2013 and Executive Chef Delroy Christian has taken the Atlanta scene by storm. He started his training in the food industry at a very tender age, working alongside his mother in several New York City Clubs. He has gone on to become an internationally trained chef, who has worked in the industry for over twenty-five years, catering for many high profile celebrity clients. His repertoire includes, Jamaican, French, Mediterranean, Russian, Italian, German, Asian and Southern Cuisine.
While attending N. Y. C. Technical College he worked in several positions at many prestigious restaurants including the Russian Tea Room and the CC Club where he served as the Executive Sous Chef. His experience working with chefs from around the world and while training in France have allowed him to develop a unique style. Chef Delroy talked with RedCarpetShelley.com and let us know what’s ‘cooking’ with him.
1) How did you get your start in Culinary Arts?
I started back in my high school days with my Mom who worked as a chef in Manhattan, NY. She worked for some of the big names in the city Susan Taylor for example at a private club that was located on the top floor of One Lincoln Plaza. I use to help her prep and I would also wash dishes. One of the managers of the club saw my interest in food and suggested that I pursue it in college. I enrolled to New York City Technical College to study Hotel and Restaurant Management. This was the start of my culinary career back in the 80’s.
2) What celebrity chef has inspired you through the years?
Patrick Clark, a chef who helped lead a generation of Americans to embrace a new style of casual but sophisticated French cooking in the early 1980’s, and then helped lead them back to the ingredients and preparations of their own country. He died at age 42, but he showed me that it was possible to make it in a field that was dominated by white chefs. He also studied at the same college I attended.
3) What exciting projects and/or events have you been on recently?
I’m working with (Grammy Award winning R&B legend) Gladys Knights son Shanga on opening a new restaurant in the downtown area of Atlanta. We are projecting opening should be around May or June of this year. The Name of the restaurant will be Bungalow 88. It will be an upscale restaurant with a private dinning room serving a global cuisine. Some Menu items will be Roasted Whole Filet of Beef Marinated in Asian spices, Fried Prawns with Cucumber Salad and Ponzu sauce, Bowtie Pasta with Lobster, Salmon, Shrimp or Seafood that is in season. I also just participated in The Atlanta Chef’s Expo with a good friend another chef in Atlanta “Chef Rob” and won the Fan Favorite for the best tasting dish. We made a Fire Roasted Mahi Mahi with Garlic Mashed Potato and Cajun Cream Sauce. I still work as a private chef when called upon!!
3) What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you?
Follow your heart, love what you do and never quit!!
4) Who is your favorite Caribbean artist and why?
Beres Hammond because of the style of music. He sings music that I can reflect on and think about life.
5) What is your favorite Caribbean island to visit?
Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica!! I love going to Jamaica because this is where my family is from and I feel comfortable when I’m there. I love the Food, People, Music and the Beautiful Land. My Mom and Dad also retired back there so it’s a very special place in my heart.
6) What is your best advice on balancing your family life and your career?
I say, love what you do, but never neglect your family and have fun while you are doing it.
7) What Caribbean Celebrities would you like to see in a reality show?
Rihanna!! I would like to see her day to day activity should be exciting.
If you wanna see more if his exotic meals check him out: https://www.facebook.com/delroyc1?ref=ts&fref=ts
