Numerous chefs stories start with them growing up in the kitchen with their mother or grandmother learning the basics of cooking or them seeing the Iron Chefs on food Network and wanted to become culinary superstars. It didn’t quite happened like that for Chef Jason well, it almost did.

 

Growing up in Montreal, Canada with Haitian parents Chef Jason was always intrigued with Haitian food and how amazing it tasted. Nevertheless, he had his mother and aunties cooking for him so he felt he didn’t really have to learn. His mom would often say “Son, you’re going to have to learn how to cook before you become a man, because one day you’ll get into a argument with your wife and she won’t cook for you!! ”. 

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Funny enough that phrase stayed with him. Eventually, when his mom got sick, after the birth of his younger brother, he had to help around the house and cooking was always the first thing he had to do. In the beginning it wasn’t too hard as he would get tips, knowledge, and help from his mother and aunties, but that was not enough.

 

Touched by the inspiration to cook, young Jason wanted to feed this new found passion. He wanted to learn about other cultures and their food, this is when he saw Chef Ricardo Larrivée for the first time on television. Seeing an actual Chef on TV ignited his passion further. He then realized that if he places his focus and dedication into feeding his passion that he could be very successful.  

 

Being in Montreal, he didn’t really know about The Food Network channel, he was limited to cook books and Canadian cooking shows. Being so curious about food and different spices Jason started playing with different types of food from around the world, always trying to think outside the box by fusing ingredients and adding his touch. 

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Fast forward to 2013, Jason took the heartfelt decision to let go a steady high paying career in construction to feed this passion of his. Over the years he had the opportunity to work in many different restaurants from East African, Mediterranean, Mexican and Indian cuisine. Fueled with the eagerness to learn about global food culture, Chef Jason travelled to various countries to learn the most authentic techniques they have to offer.

 

in 2015 Chef Jason landed a prominent Sous Chef gig with Midtown Santuaire Bistro. A Bistro known for its celebrity patrons and great food.

 

With his name growing popularity in the Montreal culinary circle, Chef Jason was sought out by Agrikol in 2017, one of the most popular Haitian restaurants in the city, to hold the position as Chef de Cuisine.

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As his name and skills blossomed Chef Jason was struck with opportunity to travel to Miami in 2019 to be at the helm of a new, hip Caribbean Restaurant as the Chef de Cuisine. Nowadays Chef Jason is working on developing his signature spice line and his cookbook “LA MANJAI” highlighting Haitian food and culture.