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KEEYS TO KNOW ABOUT JAMAICAN BREEZE RESTAURANT

When new patrons visit JBR, one of the first things they ask is, "Is the cook Jamaican?" JBR wouldn't have it any other way! And Chef Alfred Blake, fondly nicknamed Freddie, is as Jamaican as can be!

Born the 7th child of 9 in the "country" at St. Elizabeth Parish, his passion to cook started at home at an early age of 6. Mommy Blake oftentimes recruited the kids for help in the kitchen. What felt like a chore for the siblings was an absolute joy for Freddie. Basic Jamaican backyard-grown spices and herbs like thyme, scallions, pimento, ginger, and turmeric piqued Freddie's creativity for cooking. He eagerly learned by watching and having a taste test each time an ingredient was added while creating a dish. Mommy Blake took immediate notice of Freddie's enjoyment in cooking that she eventually allowed him to take charge of the kitchen. He recalls his excitement learning different ways of cooking (frying, boiling, grilling, steaming) but he was especially drawn to "playing with fire"! Even today, we see that when he cooks-to-order seafood at JBR!