Ashebre romancing tastebuds

Ashebre romances your taste buds with a blend of Caribbean, Mediterranean, and French delicacies. It is a virtual restaurant and catering company owned by Oji Jaja, one of Jamaica's most talented culinary artistes.

Catering weddings and corporate and private events, Ashebre's service is second to none, and Jaja often leaves people wondering just how he manages to arrive at the glorious flavours.

"I can't say that we are doing many new things, but we try to be consistent in the products we deliver. We are focused on health and wellness as an organisation. We only use fresh ingredients, so we don't go down the same route as others," Jaja told Food.

Skillfully combining love and passion, he creates masterpieces that keep people coming back for more.

Blackened tuna with forbidden rice, citrus segments and roasted pepper coulis, blackened shrimp on baked bammy, pan-seared snapper fillet with saffron beurre blanc, blackened snapper with tomato gazpacho, and carmelised onion and salmon dip with fried green plantains are some of Ashebre's creative meals that will take your palate on a joyride.

Jaja admits that it is not always easy to operate a virtual restaurant.

"We have our challenges. Like any other business, it's maintaining consistency, dealing with the changes in the market and human resources. But we try to do things to mitigate these challenges and market as best as possible," he explained.

SPICES

Hoping to set up shop in the near future, Ashebre has started to expand into another area of the food industry. Jaja's eyes are now set on proving condiments that will help to spice up your life.

With Ashebre's spicy basil pesto already out on the market, Jaja has more coming in the near future to help you create gourmet meals in the comfort of your own home.

"We're currently in the final stages of packaging, and when they are finished, we will have six items available for you. These will be condiments, including spices that you can use to produce restaurant-quality meals on your own," Jaja said.