Imagine a five-star hotel in London. What kind of cuisine comes to mind? Perhaps classic French, sophisticated Italian, or maybe even contemporary British? But Caribbean? It’s not the first thing that springs to mind, is it? Well, Michel Roux Jr., the renowned chef and culinary director of The Langham, London, thinks differently. “If it’s good enough, why not?” he asks. And Dom Taylor, a talented young chef with a passion for Caribbean cuisine, is proving that Caribbean food can indeed be a perfect fit for a luxury hotel.
Dom’s journey to The Langham started with Five Star Kitchen, a popular cooking competition show. He faced a common challenge: how to refine his rustic Caribbean dishes for a high-end setting. Michel Roux Jr. played a pivotal role, guiding him to elevate his food without compromising its authenticity. “He showed me how to cook more high-end food while still being me,” Dom shares.
Refining Caribbean Classics
Dom’s approach to Caribbean cuisine is both respectful and innovative. He aims to honour the traditions of his heritage while pushing boundaries to create something truly unique. He explains, “I wanted to create food that my grandmother would recognise as authentic, but at the same time, I needed to take Caribbean food to a place where foodies would say ‘wow, that’s exciting.'”
His signature dish, jerk chicken, is a prime example of his approach. It’s a classic Caribbean favourite, but Dom adds his personal touch with a unique marinade and complements it with lemongrass dressing, plantain jam, and a burnt lime segment. He also reimagines the national dish of Jamaica, ackee and saltfish, transforming it into a delicious fish cake. “Dom has modernized the food,” Michel Roux Jr. notes, “but I would not say it’s posh. It’s still recognizable as Caribbean food, and the flavours are unbelievable.”
The Good Front Room: A Culinary Adventure
The Langham’s Palm Court Brasserie has been transformed into The Good Front Room, a vibrant space showcasing Dom’s culinary artistry. “The doors are open,” Dom exclaims, “and I’m super excited for people to come and try the food.”
It’s been a long journey for Dom, and he’s thrilled to finally share his passion with the world. He’s spent months working with the team at The Palm Court Brasserie, introducing them to the rich and diverse world of Caribbean cuisine. “The cuisine is unfamiliar to most of them,” Dom says, “but once you understand food you can cook pretty much anything. I’m using root vegetables that are native to the Caribbean, but they’re not that different to a potato really. The more intense spicing is probably the thing that has taken them the most time to get used to.”
From European Cuisine to Caribbean Dreams
Dom’s culinary journey is an inspiring one. While his early career focused on European cuisine, his roots and passion for Caribbean food ultimately led him to create a unique and exciting dining experience. He believes that the key to success lies in staying true to oneself while embracing new challenges. “I’m someone that is very much guided by the universe,” he reflects. “I’ll take every day as it comes and see what happens.”
The Good Front Room is a testament to Dom’s unwavering commitment to his craft. It’s a place where Londoners and visitors alike can discover the vibrant flavours and cultural richness of Caribbean cuisine, presented with a touch of modern elegance.
