The Caribbean is one huge “Cook-Up”...French, Dutch, English, Spanish...You get it all. In Cook-Up, we fuse all this beauty that is our diverse cultures and tradition. Whether it’s adding some Zouk to your life, learning how to bachata or chowing down on the latest dish, Cook-Up is a place where we all can meet and experience Caribbean “Oneness!”
Come join us and see what happens when Caribbean cultures mix to from One Caribbean.
Country Cooking - Chef Hasan DeFour
Hasan Defour is a chef with a reputation spanning from Trinidad to the UK. Trinidadian born and bred, formally trained in European cuisine and Restaurant management at Westminster Kingsway in London, and trained under the same chefs who trained Jamie Oliver and Ainsley Harriot. Hasan is a master in the Caribbean cookhouse, with experience that spans over a decade. His praises have been sung by the masses and accounts of his skill can be found across the internet. Chef Defour has worked in renowned Caribbean restaurant Cottons; Caribbean Restaurant of the Year 2006 & 2007 - Caribbean Scene and has delivered quality to the top corporate boxes in West Ham football club.
A well-known people’s man, Hasan has an all-round jovial and friendly demeanour which makes him amicable and approachable. Chef Hasan is a joy to watch in the kitchen and at work and is guaranteed to spice up any meal with both is culinary prowess and his love of cooking. Having catered for huge events such as Machel Montano HD in concert Hammersmith Apollo London to smaller gatherings; like christenings, weddings, birthdays; for the average Joe to premiership footballers - Dwight Yorke, Stern John and Patrick Viera as well as Caribbean heads of Government. This year Chef Hasan also accompanied Michelin Star Chef Gary Rhodes for his latest television series for UKTVFood - Rhodes Across the Caribbean, travelling across eight Caribbean islands learning local dishes from the region's best.
From 2010 to 2011, Hasan was Executive Chef of his restaurant, located in Moorgate, London - heart of London's city district. The restaurant received excellent reviews from the likes of The Daily Mail, The Times and many more publications, over the quality of Chef Hasan's dishes - which where a diverse range from across the Caribbean. The restaurant unfortunately closed due to the entire block being bought over by developers to convert to offices.
In 2011 Chef Hasan hosted his own TV series, entitled Country Cooking where he showcased some of the best Caribbean dishes in St.Lucia, Trinidad and across London. The show is currently broadcast on TEMPO Networks, which boasts an audience of over 3.5 million across the Caribbean and U.S.
Adventurous, fun-loving and a passion for food, Chef Defour is guaranteed to provide an excellent service that is sure to suit and satisfy with delicious and indulgent delights.
Check out www.hasandefour.co.uk for photos, dishes & more
Isadora Ortega (past host)
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, to beautiful Dominican parents, Isadora now resides in the city that never sleeps, New York City. Living in the cultural melting pot of the world, this Latina gets in the mix of everything from food to dance, mixing cultural activities, hobbies and experiences into her own cookup.
Currently studying for a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcasting and Journalism, Isadora's studies allow her to combine her natural curiosity with her desire to entertain and educate everyone she encounters.
She has appeared in the "Latin Grove" and hosted ESPN Magazine's NFL Draft Party. She has also appeared in films such as "The Situation", "What the Mind Sees", and "Rap Quest".
When she isn't working or studying, this latina loves to indulge in two of her greatest passions: cooking and traveling. Isadora believes that the best way to know someone's culture is "knowing what they eat and how they cook." For her, cooking is a way to relax and to play with different flavors and textures of food.
Like food, she believes that travelling gives you the opportunity to learn about other cultures. "I think the more you learn about other cultures, the more you will learn to respect other people and their beliefs.
She also loves to dance - Merengue, Salsa and Bachata are just some of her favorites. Isadora also likes to read, watch TV and spend time with her family. She's the perfect mixture and totally Cook-Up!
