Chef Jermaine Gordon: A Culinary Journey from Jamaica to the UK

Chef Jermaine Gordon, a Jamaica-born culinary artist, has spent 19 years honing his craft in various hotels and restaurants across Jamaica and the United Kingdom. His journey is a testament to passion, resilience, and the love for food that transcends borders.

A Culinary Background

Jermaine’s culinary adventure began in his childhood, inspired by his mother and aunt. "I chose professional cooking because of the passion I had at the tender age of 10," he shares. This early love for cooking led him to work in renowned establishments like Simon and Peter’s Restaurant and CB Jamaica Limited, which manages hospital canteens across Jamaica. He even owned a restaurant in Kingston called JerGor Exquisite Catering before relocating to Earlswood, Surrey, two years ago.

The Joy of Cooking

For Jermaine, cooking is not just a job; it’s a source of joy. "I believe doing what you love gives you the drive and perseverance to do it," he explains. His happiness comes from seeing satisfied customers. "It is an overwhelming joy for me to see each and every one enjoying their meal," he adds. This passion drives him to create signature dishes, including his famous JerGor BBQ sauce, made with natural preservatives like ginger and pimento.

Fusion of Cultures

While Caribbean cuisine is his first love, Jermaine embraces a concept he calls "fusion." He creatively combines Jamaican flavors with other culinary traditions. For instance, he transforms jerk chicken into Alfredo jerk chicken pasta, blending Jamaican and Italian influences. "Incorporating my barbecue sauce with jollof rice is my way of merging Jamaican and Nigerian flavors," he notes.

Challenges in the Kitchen

Every chef faces challenges, and Jermaine is no exception. Long hours, multitasking, and meeting customer expectations can be daunting. "The most challenging time was trying to get the balance and the perfect ingredients for my barbecue sauce," he admits. Yet, despite these hurdles, his love for cooking remains unwavering.

Gender Dynamics in the Kitchen

Interestingly, the culinary world is often seen as male-dominated. Jermaine reflects on this, noting that while many chefs are men, women play crucial roles too. "My mom was a chef before me," he shares, highlighting the importance of women in the kitchen. He believes that the future may see more women stepping into professional cooking roles.

Cooking at Home

When it comes to home cooking, Jermaine has a unique approach. His wife isn’t fond of cooking, but when she does, he embraces her style. "I wouldn’t reject her food; I’d spice it up to my liking," he laughs, often adding his beloved JerGor BBQ sauce to enhance the flavors.

Healthy Eating and Preservation

Jermaine is also passionate about healthy eating. He acknowledges concerns about canned foods but emphasizes that his barbecue sauce uses natural preservatives. "The preserving methods our forefathers used were healthier," he explains, advocating for traditional techniques over modern chemical preservatives.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As a father, Jermaine encourages his son and siblings to explore the culinary arts. "It’s an industry that gives you the opportunity to travel the world," he says, highlighting the benefits of being a chef. He believes that understanding food helps individuals make healthier choices.

Chef Jermaine Gordon’s journey is a flavorful blend of passion, culture, and resilience. His story inspires many, reminding us that cooking is not just about food; it’s about love, creativity, and connection. What culinary adventure will you embark on next?