Wealth brunch welcomes Jamrock Eatz to the table

Jumpstarting the week in fantastic fashion and bringing wealth to the spotlight, Profit Jumpstarter’s Build Wealth Conference inspired not only the mind but also the palate. The brunch event offered a fusion of rich flavours, presenting elegance and sophistication at its tastiest. We caught up with the caterer, Shanna Lee Millsap of Jamrock Eatz, to find out more about the motivation behind the truly magical culinary moments she created.

“I wanted to create a delicious and memorable experience that not only satisfied the guests but also left a lasting impression, much like the conference itself. The dishes were chosen to reflect the vibrancy and diversity of Caribbean culture while using Jamaican local products to support other small business owners,” the chef and owner told Food.

The savoury and sweet star-studded lineup includes the company’s signature island jerk chicken egg roll served with a rum barbecue sauce, Caribbean shrimp rasta pasta, island chicken taco, we jammin’ escovitch fish, reggae codfish fritters served with a delicious pumpkin sauce, calypso bammy fingers and crispy Asian tuna wontons.

“These dishes showcase the bold, authentic flavours of Jamaica while offering a twist. Each dish was carefully crafted to bring out the best in our ingredients, making the meal a true reflection of Caribbean culinary heritage,” she explained.

Millsap is no stranger to flavour. She had spent several years learning all the culinary hacks and treats while cooking for her family and friends. The endless encouragement to share her skills and talents with a wider audience propelled her to pursue her passion in this exciting profession.

“As a self-taught chef, I honed my skills through years of experience in the kitchen, both at home and in various culinary environments. I later pursued formal training, attaining a degree in hotel management at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, which complemented my foundation with the technical and business aspects of the culinary world,” the culinary expert shared.

After completing her degree, Millsap gained experience at prestigious hotels such as The Jamaica Pegasus and Round Hill Hotel. “This combination of hands-on experience and formal education has shaped me into the chef I am today.”

Working in the industry for over a decade gave her the culinary courage and motivation she needed to make the smooth transition to going full-time. This became the catalyst that gave birth to her baby, better known as Jamrock Eatz, over three years ago.

Based in Central Florida in the States, the personal chef provides private catering services for major events like dinners, weddings and corporate functions.

“Being able to share the flavours of Jamaica with others is both a privilege and a passion, which motivated me to create my own line of jerk seasoning – Jamrock Spice Jerk Seasoning – showcasing the true authentic flavour of our culture without any MSG or preservatives,” she added.

From humble beginnings in her own kitchen to branching out to large events, she describes the journey as both challenging and rewarding.

One of the most valuable lessons this business has taught her is the importance of staying true to her roots. Sharing a taste of Jamaica with the world and connecting with incredible people in the process has been an amazing experience.

“My clients have loved the personal touch I bring to every event, the attention to detail, the passion that goes into every dish as well as the professionalism, excellent customer service and the commitment to delivering not just food, but a delicious and memorable experience,” she reveals, letting her five-star Google reviews do most of the talking.

Having flown down for Sunday’s main event, Millsap was overjoyed by the feedback from her mouthwatering food, “The response at the event was overwhelmingly positive. Guests were thrilled with the flavours and presentation of the dishes. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the authentic taste of home served as small bites which allowed patrons to network comfortably. The feedback was heartwarming, with several guests sharing video testimonials of their experience. It was truly rewarding to see so many people enjoy and connect with the food.”

With plans to grow Jamrock Eatz into a global brand, this flavouring agent and food entrepreneur hopes to continue on her mission to share the vibrant and tasteful culture one event at a time and inspire others to not only pursue their culinary dreams but look into exploring their own cultural heritage through food.

“Flavour is a celebration of culture, history, and community. Working in this career allows me to express my creativity and heritage while bringing joy to others. It’s important to me because food is more than just sustenance; it’s a way to connect with people, tell stories, and create lasting memories,” she added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com