Nottingham care home chef serves up Caribbean joy at celebration feast

Jermaine Codrington and Jasai Hollis, the chefs at Edwalton Manor Care Home on Landmere Lane, designed a special menu to share their heritage and the dishes that mean the most to them.

Residents got to enjoy a day packed with experiences from the Caribbean, kicking off with a Cuban salsa class from Tamba at Salsaché! Nottingham before tucking into Jermaine and Jasai’s spectacular menu.

The chefs used Jermaine’s Montserrat heritage and Bermudan Jasai’s culture to influence their menu, serving up Jamaican mutton curry, jerk chicken, saltfish patties, plantain chips and rum cake.

After the food, residents enjoyed pina coladas, ginger beer and a chance to try a special rum punch cocktail, made using a special recipe from Jasai’s mother.

Head Chef Jermaine said: “It makes me so happy to share my culture with the residents. I enjoy cooking Caribbean dishes as they have been in my family for generations.”

After dancing, drinking and feasting, the residents concluded their Caribbean day with a special screening of the movie classic Cool Runnings, which is set in Barbados, in Edwalton Manor’s cinema room.

Resident Shelia Baker, aged 91, said: “It was such a fun day – with lots of good food!”

Meanwhile, fellow resident Sue McKee, aged 79, congratulated the team on giving everyone a taste of the culture of the Caribbean and making sure it was an inclusive day.

Shelia said: “Everyone was involved and considered, and the [Caribbean day] was presented very well. I had a lovely time.”

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Coordinator Alice Kirby said that the event was a lovely way for her colleagues to connect with residents.

Alice said: “We were thrilled when Jermaine and Jasai agreed to create the Caribbean menu and to share aspects of their heritage and culture with the residents.

“They lovingly create food for them every day, but there’s something extra special about recipes that have been passed down through generations.

“It was great to share the music, dancing and show Cool Runnings to transport the residents to this amazing part of the world.

“Thanks to everyone who helped make the day such a huge success.”