Professional Culinary artist Kevin W. Jones is making a name for himself in London, United Kingdom. Born and raised in the Virgin Islands he is taking the flavours of the territory and infusing them with regional cuisines under the travelling restaurant brand ‘Nyammin’. Photo: Provided

Nyammin is a popular Caribbean term meaning eating and according to Mr Jone, Culinary arts was never in his career plan however, it is something he became passionate about. Photo: Provided

One of the Caribbean rice delicacies served by the Nyammin' restaurant brand. Photo: Provided

A Nyammin' experience is the ultimate lime filled with traditional Nyams, live music & entertainment, drinks and rum, Young Professional Kevin W. Jones told VINO. Photo: Provided

Nyammin’ serves up Virgin Islands cuisines and infuses it with Caribbean flavors. Photo: Provided

Building a Restaurant  

According to Kevin, culinary arts was never in his career plan; however, it is something he became passionate about.

“One of our goals at Nyammin’ is to enhance Caribbean awareness through cuisine and culture. Each of our experiences highlights different islands and I create 4-course menus depending on the chosen island(s),” he told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

The business has two other co-founders, both VIslanders; Chanelle and Alyssa Harrigan.

“A Nyammin' experience is the ultimate lime filled with traditional Nyams, live music and entertainment, drinks and of course rum. We are a UK based supper club that does pop-ups in different restaurants. We do not have a fixed location as yet, but that is a long-term goal of ours.”

He said for the VI experience they serve peas soup and coconut tart and, for example, Trinidad and Tobago, they would infuse roti.

Some challenges to the business include time management, according to our Young Professional. “All three of us were also juggling full-time jobs and very busy but needed to have regular meetings to prepare and plan. The solution has been scheduling meetings/calls after some 16-hour shift days.”

Discovering a Passion

Revealing that initially he wanted to be an architect, Kevin revealed that most people never know about that part of his life.

The decision to turn to the culinary arts was one that came from his bloodline, “My father because he motivated me with his independent Charlie's Grill that operates every weekend!”

He also listed Chef Gorvey A. Henry as another motivator, “he always pushes me to achieve my goals and has continuously shown me that there’s so much more to life than what I’ve experienced thus far.”

Kevin attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and then Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) where he graduated in 2012.

“I started college just after high school like everyone else but stopped and decided to work instead. During this time, I found my passion for culinary arts and then returned back to HLSCC and graduated with an Associates in Culinary Arts in 2016.”

Taking Risks

Apart from being the Head Chef and co-founder of Nyammin, Mr Jones had previous restaurant experience, including in the VI and the United Kingdom. In the VI he worked at the Village Cay Restaurant as a Junior Chef and over in Bristol, UK, he worked at the Aztec Hotel & Spa as Chef de Partie.

He said he enjoys travelling, a good game of basketball and reading cookbooks in his pastime. “Freedom! Being able to cook whatever I want,” our young Professional said remains the most gratifying parts of his job.

Kevin said one of his life lessons is that life can change in the blink of an eye and you just have to be able to adapt accordingly and quickly.

“A few months after Hurricane Irma, I was given the opportunity to move to the UK and I took it and within a month of moving I secured my role at Aztec Hotel,” he told VINO.

Parting Advice

According to Kevin, being able to own a business is an achievement he always desired. “I definitely didn’t expect it to be my reality this soon but I’m grateful.”

He said plans for the future include, publishing a Nyammin’ cookbook, having multiple restaurants worldwide, especially in the Caribbean and becoming a culinary ambassador.

“I’m always willing to learn and teach,” Kevin shared, while noting one of his desire is for a professional culinary school to be established in the Virgin Islands.

“Keep going!! It took me some time to find my passion when it was literally in my back... well front yard all these years. Sometimes it’s really that simple; find what you love and it’ll make a path for you,” he said as final parting advice.

The London based Nyammin’ can be found across social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter - @wenyammin and via their website: www.nyammin.com.