This week on CBC’s Recipe to Riches, Winslow Taylor took home the win with his crowd-pleasing Jammin’ Jamaican Lobster Bisque. We definitely want to get our hands on that bisque! Find out more about this week’s winner in our Tastemaker Q&A…
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
Let’s see… About me! Anybody who knows me knows I am always up to something! My life really is an adventure – I am always thinking of what to do next. Whether that be developing a new recipe, traveling somewhere, or coming up with the next greatest business idea. I’m a very hands-on person who loves to learn and do new things. I fight hard for what I believe and try to live the most positive life possible.
What was your experience on Recipe to Riches like?
The whole thing was surreal and still is! Feels like one long dream, even as I answer your questions it feels like a dream. I got to meet a lot of amazing people and they all had a positive attitude. Everybody always had good stories to tell and things to say. It was funny too because I went in wanting to hate my competitors so I could be ruthless! Then I found out they were a lot like me and were cool. That plan back fired! It was such a great experience. Now, to see my face across Canada… who would have ever thought?! Definitely not me.
What was the first thing that came to your mind when your name was announced as the winner?
For real! I mean, I knew I really worked for it… but really! I came to win and I did!
How did you come up with your Recipe to Riches winning recipe?
I am a bit competitive as you probably can guess. So after tasting a crab bisque from a popular soup restaurant in Toronto I thought I could do better. My recipe was developed off a variant of a curry lobster dish that I made on occasion at home. I used my creative touch to combine flavours that I felt were missing from the crab bisque with traditional Jamaican flavours and ingredients to make what became the recipe I entered.
What were the biggest challenges and best rewards about being a part of the show?
The biggest challenge with being on the show was keeping so many secrets. You are so excited about all that you are doing but you have nobody to talk to about it. The best reward was cooking the food that I created for Gail, Vikram and Arlene. They are well respected people and food experts. That was an absolute pleasure!
What are you most excited about for the future?
I can’t wait for my next adventure! Once the Recipe to Riches adventure is over I’ll be on to the next. I guess the outcome of the show will significantly impact what that adventure is. I have even entertained the idea of doing business in the food industry; just haven’t decided what yet.
Can you give any tips to home chefs who aspire to be as successful as yourself?
I just wrote a blog article about this very thing! There are 3 things that will get you onto the show and into a winning spot…
1. Choose a good recipe that can be mass produced
2. Make yourself interesting and appealing
3. Stand out at your audition
Outside of your winning dish, what is your favourite food?
That’s a question I can’t really answer. I’m a foodie, so it depends on my mood. In general though I like food with strong flavours, I like my meat with a gamey taste, and dishes spiced to perfection. I really like to make different cultural foods at home. I also think anything cooked on an open flame is superior eating.
Finish this sentence. I love Toronto because…
…it’s a melting pot of culture.
What are three things you can’t live without?
God, music, good food.
What are some of your favourite restaurants and why?
Ritz Caribbean Restaurants. Closest to my homemade Jamaican food I have tasted. Other than that I am a sucker for mom and pop type shops off the beaten path.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with all your globe-trotting?
You can follow me on many of the popular social networks by searching @MrDynamic83 or hashtags #teamjammin #JJLB #VoteWinslow, and also check out my blog.
Congratulations Winslow!
Can’t wait for the next episode? We feel you! Don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday night at 9pm to catch Recipe to Riches!
What did you think of last night’s episode? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.