For your next special occasion, indulge in mouth-watering menu items like beef brisket, whole roasted sea bream, roast duck and Chilean sea bass.
Sound difficult? Chef Debbie Wilson-Berment is here to help.
Professionally known as Chef Sagajo, her new book, The Sagajo Experience: Recipes for Lifestyle & Entertaining, shows you how to create memorable moments beyond just the food.
Chef Sagajo said, “I truly love cooking and entertaining, which is one of the reasons I wrote The Sagajo Experience. I’ve always wanted to turn my passion and love for my work into my own business.”
Her cooking reflects the flavors of her Caribbean roots and the culinary traditions she learned as a child: she describes her style as “Caribbean-Mediterranean fusion.”
“I love blending flavors. I am truly blessed to come from the Caribbean, blessed with a rich and diverse culture and a smorgasbord of spices. The unique taste of my food comes from blending Caribbean and Mediterranean flavors, which is what sets my food apart from others.”
“Sagajo Experience: Recipes for Lifestyle and Entertainment” offers an easy-to-follow approach to creating flavorful dishes and memorable dining experiences.
From an early age, Wilson-Berment knew the kitchen was where she wanted to be. As a girl growing up in Trinidad and Tobago, she helped her mother, Alma, an accomplished, award-winning chef, prepare meals for family and clients.
By the time she was 16, Wilson-Berment had her own clients and a steady stream of orders for the beautiful cakes she created for special occasions.
“I just kept going for what I loved most and never limited myself. I told myself that if I didn’t do it, no one else would,” she explains.
Wilson-Berment moved to South Florida from Long Island, New York with her husband and three children in 2006 and worked as a pastry chef at a local country club and taught baking and pastry skills at West Boca High School.
But she wanted more: “I wanted to spend more quality time with my family and have control over my own schedule.”
From the floral arrangements to the wine selections, Chef Sagajo wants to inspire people to come together, entertain and have fun.
Her children, Sasha, Gabriel and Jonathan, served as the inspiration for her professional name and brand: Sa-ga-jo uses the first two letters of her children’s names.
She says family is everything: “My husband, Gordon, has supported me through everything. Some people never achieve their dreams, so I’m grateful for that. It’s not just about being business-minded, it’s about pursuing your passion and putting love first.”
Her book has more than just sweet treats: she offers advice on everything from creating an unforgettable meal to choosing the perfect tableware, stemware, flowers, and wine.
“A meal is something you prepare regularly. A memorable meal is one you enjoy with friends and family in a beautiful setting, featuring a variety of delicious dishes,” says Chef Sagajo.
She offers a wealth of fantastic menu ideas and recipes for every occasion, from dinner with the family to lunch with friends to breakfast in bed.
Her recipes have been described as easy yet elegant, and her book is organized by occasion and guest list.
Beautiful, eye-catching photographs throughout the book bring the dishes to life and a helpful “In My Pantry” guide lists all the ingredients you’ll need.
And for all aspiring chefs and lifestyle gurus, Chef Sagajo says, “Our industry is focused on hospitality through cuisine.
-Expertise, skill, experience, knowledge. The world of a chef is built on passion. Creativity, love of food and beautiful presentation should be the key focus for anyone who wants to be a chef.”
“I am truly living the life I want, and it’s for me. I wanted to share my love of cooking with the world.”
