At the 10th Biennial Diaspora Conference Riverside wrap-up 2024, we had the opportunity to catch up with Celebrity Jamaican Chef Wenford Patrick Simpson, a celebrated Jamaican restaurateur and culinary artist. Known for turning a kitchen mistake into a successful career, Chef Simpson has become an inspiration for many.
Chef Simpson’s journey exemplifies perseverance and passion. Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, he grew up in a single-parent household where food was often scarce. Cooking became a necessity and an early passion for young Wenford. A fortunate mistake—spilling curry into a cabbage dish—sparked his interest in culinary arts and set him on a path to a noteworthy career and international recognition.
“I was just trying to cook something for my sister, and that mistake turned into a signature dish,” Chef Simpson recalls with a smile. “It’s now one of the top vegetarian sellers on my menu in New York. The Curry Veggie Succotash”
From that humble beginning, Chef Simpson embarked on a journey that would see him working at some of Jamaica’s well-known resorts, such as Sandals and Club Caribbean. These experiences honed his skills and prepared him to occupy a place in the upper echelons of the US culinary scene.
Today, he owns and operates the Simpson Restaurant and Bar brand and restaurant chain in New York, near the iconic Barclay Center. This 10,000-square-foot restaurant seats over 400 guests and is a dining hotspot for celebrities and locals alike. The restaurant also has other locations in Atlantic City and Brooklyn, with another 450-seat location coming soon in Las Vegas.
In addition, Chef Simpson also made history by becoming the first Jamaican to open a Jamaican themed restaurant in the historic Caesar Palace casino. It has quickly become a favourite among casino visitors, offering a unique taste of Jamaican cuisine in a glamorous setting. With this thriving Atlantic location, he has plans for a new venue in Las Vegas.
Chef Simpson’s impressive list of clientele includes over 400 celebrities. He has also appeared on popular cooking shows such as “Beat Bobby Flay” and “Chopped” and has had the honour of cooking at the White House for President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Donald Trump. Regardless, his heart has always belonged to Jamaica.
Giving Back: The Simpson Culinary Institute
At the Conference, Chef Simpson announced his latest venture: the Simpson Culinary Institute in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The school aims to provide free culinary education to aspiring chefs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the culinary industry. Chef Simpson’s vision for the institute is not only to teach the technical aspects of cooking but also to inspire and empower young chefs to pursue their dreams with the same determination that he had.
“This school is my way of giving back, of helping the next generation of Jamaican chefs find their own paths to success,” he explains. To that effect, the institute will offer comprehensive culinary training and job placement assistance for graduates, ensuring they have the support needed to start their careers.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Jamaican Chefs
Chef Simpson has made it a point of his duty to remain grounded and connected to his roots. When he visits Jamaica, he makes the extra effort to engage with local chefs and share his experiences. During his stay in Montego Bay for the conference, the chef made a point of interacting with the hotel chefs, offering them words of encouragement and advice.
“I remember. It takes you back each time I pass one of them,” he says, recalling his early days in the kitchen. “I used to work at Sandals and Club Caribbean, so I know what it’s like to be in their shoes.”
He believes that representation and mentorship are key to helping young chefs achieve greatness. “Young chefs need to see someone who has walked in their shoes and achieved their dreams. If I can do it, so can they,” he says. It is his hope that his story will serve as a powerful reminder that success is possible with hard work and determination.
So, beyond words, the Simpson Culinary Institute will serve as a lasting legacy, providing aspiring chefs with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. By offering free education and job placement services, Chef Simpson hopes to remove the barriers that often prevent talented individuals from pursuing their culinary dreams.
