Curtis Ross
Chef, Co-Founder of Zenai Center, Wellness Center to Empower Body, Mind & Spirit

Zenai Center, Alchemy7

• http://www.alchemyfeast.com

Curtis Ross is a world renowned Eco-Lifestyle Consultant and Chef. Born and raised in Trinidad, he traveled and studied throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Inspired by these cultures, he developed the unique Africala cooking style, best described as an elegant fusion of the regions' cuisines. An eclectic blend of flavors call to mind the traditional African feasts, Latin celebrations, and Caribbean rituals he encountered.

Chef Ross began learning his craft as a child in Trinidad. Raised in a family of herbalists, his parents encouraged his natural gift to blend spices and create enticing dishes with fresh, organic ingredients...[more]

Curtis Ross is a world renowned Eco-Lifestyle Consultant and Chef. Born and raised in Trinidad, he traveled and studied throughout Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Inspired by these cultures, he developed the unique Africala cooking style, best described as an elegant fusion of the regions' cuisines. An eclectic blend of flavors call to mind the traditional African feasts, Latin celebrations, and Caribbean rituals he encountered.

Chef Ross began learning his craft as a child in Trinidad. Raised in a family of herbalists, his parents encouraged his natural gift to blend spices and create enticing dishes with fresh, organic ingredients. He refined his craft while traveling, learning first hand the intricacies of native cooking techniques. Working alongside the people of the local marketplaces, shops, and restaurants, he immersed himself in the customs and histories that bred these rich, vibrant cuisines. With a philosophy steeped in cultural anthropology, Chef Ross believes that a meal cannot be fully enjoyed without acknowledging the traditions it represents.

For more than a decade, Chef Ross has lived in and traveled throughout the United States and Canada providing personal chef and catering services to corporate clients and high-profile personalities. In addition, he has given dynamic and instructive cooking demonstrations on local television programs, sharing his holistic approach to blending food and folklore.

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• 
  From Kate Phillips

  Given on Tue Oct 7, 2008.

  Chef Curtis is an extraordinary human being; you'll know what I mean when you meet him. His energy is grounded...[more]

  Chef Curtis is an extraordinary human being; you'll know what I mean when you meet him. His energy is grounded, his wisdom is uncommon, his passion is obvious and his care for those around him is highly valued.

  As a chef, his talents in the kitchen are world-class. He is a magician with raw food, expanding the very definition of what that means. He is a master of many types of cuisine, as well as a thought leader expressing how our food choices interact with our emotions, our environment, and our total well-being.

  Curtis and Debbie provide a wonderful sense of hospitality at the Zenai Center. (A great place to host a catered event or workshop, btw.)

  Oh yeah, he makes amazing cocktails, too! With all-natural ingredients! I stopped drinking because I got tired of my body's increasing allergic response to sulfites. I realized after a recent Alchemy Dinner at Zenai that I had been able to enjoy his cocktails with no adverse effect whatsoever. (Not even a hint of hangover!)

  Say hey to Curtis, I urged him to join Biznik because I knew what a fantastic resource he will be for our community.   [less]