From IT Pro to Culinary Explorer: Embracing the World Through Food

My career has been rooted in IT, where I’ve tackled everything from helpdesk roles to systems administration and service management. But while technology has shaped my professional life, it’s food—and the vibrant cultures behind it—that truly sets my soul on fire.

Growing up in Trinidad & Tobago, I was blessed to be part of a rich cultural tapestry. This tiny island nation is a true melting pot, having been influenced by nearly every major European power through colonisation, as well as the resilience and traditions of our enslaved African and indentured Indian ancestors, alongside the native Amerindians. The result? A unique blend of cultures, religions, and most importantly, flavors. Trinbagonian cuisine bursts with a complexity and depth you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere—a perfect representation of our multicultural history and the enduring spirit of our people.

When I moved to the UK at 26, the craving for the taste of home hit me hard. So, I set out to learn every recipe I missed: the spices, textures, and aromas that transported me back to my mum’s kitchen and beach limes with family and friends. This experience was not just about food; it was about connection. Every dish became a bridge between my new world and the one I’d left behind.

Now, as an adventurous eater, I seek out local delicacies wherever I travel, soaking up new flavours and culinary traditions with each bite. I bring these experiences back to my own kitchen, experimenting, recreating, and sometimes reinventing dishes that speak to me. Through this journey, I’ve found a deeper connection to people and places, a way to experience the world with an open mind and a full heart.

Food is more than sustenance—it’s a universal language. It tells stories of heritage, migration, and resilience. And for me, it’s a lifelong adventure that I’m honored to share. So here’s to all of us who wander with our taste buds as our compass and our kitchens as our playgrounds.