... Margaritaville?

From Canada to Jamaica, Cory Kelso is intent on showcasing his culinary expertise for all to enjoy at Margaritaville with the goal to expose locals and tourists to a new world of enjoying food.

His youthful appearance is not to be underestimated as this well-travelled international chef has impressed persons from as far as Beijing, China, with his cooking and has developed quite a reputation for himself in the food business.

"I always wanted to be a chef, it was either that or a pilot," a soft-spoken Cory told Food.

The 27-year-old chef recalled that "when I was 18, I first became involved in culinary arts. It was at that stage of my life where I decided to really settle down and start a career, but doing something that I know I would love. So here I am, nine years later, doing what I love to do, and that is cooking," he explained.

His experience with Asian food has influenced his style of cooking, and while he noted that he does not limit himself to one particular style of cooking, he enjoys culinary fusion and he experiments a lot with pastas.

With his new task in Jamaica, Cory wants to infuse Jamaican cuisine in his culinary style and hopefully introduce it to others.

He has never experienced a Restaurant Week in Jamaica, and with the upcoming Gleaner-sponsored event fast approaching, Chef Cory is looking forward to it.

"I wasn't here in the previous Restaurant Week last year but from what I hear it, something that I am looking forward to. Back home we have something similar where a special period has restaurant specials and the atmosphere is exciting, so I would definitely like to experience that in Jamaica," an enthused Cory noted.

As for the cooking at home, he leaves that up to his girlfriend. "I cook a bit at home but my girlfriend is a very good cook and I enjoy her meals so I just leave that up to her when I'm home."

- Sheena Gayle