Chef Alexa Von Strolley serves up Golden Hour magic

With the list of Camp Porti events kicking off tomorrow along the shores of Portland, one of the features patrons will be looking forward to is the food and cocktail-inclusive experience. Chef Alexa Von Strolley will take charge of the culinary offering for Saturday’s Paradis - Golden Hour.

Von Strolley, who is a popular chef and creator of Tooksies Jamaica, during a recent interview with Food, shared the menu for Paradis - Golden Hour - one of the events being held during the four-day series at the poolside of the historic Trident Castle. The fare consists of fire-roasted sweet potato with cashew cream, pomegranate and crispy quinoa; pimento-smoked pork belly with a tamarind molasses glaze; ackee and salt fish croquettes with a tamarind ginger glaze; local fish ceviche with coconut water, sour orange and toasted coconut; peppered shrimp with charred lime and pimento dust and other Jamaican culturally inspired dishes.

She said when thinking of the menu for Paradis - Golden Hour, she thought of the sacredness of Port Antonio, the capital of the parish of Portland where the events will be held.

“When I think [of] Port Antonio, I almost think of a place where it’s Jamaica’s untouched. That and Treasure Beach, so I really wanted to bring [food that reminds us of the] island, elegant, upscale, but still untouched or in that sense. I didn’t really want to play around too much with stuff, that’s why I wanted to incorporate blue draws [and] wrap the snappers in banana leaves [just] how we do our roast snapper, so it will be the same flavours, but just twisted,” Von Strolley explained to Food.

“It will be very food-focused. The stations will be scattered throughout the party so that guests can explore and celebrate at their own pace,” she said.

She added that Paradis - Golden Hour will be more than just a dinner, but an escape into a sunset beach club experience with food that is blended with elevated island flavours along with a party energy.

To note, while growing up, Von Strolley did not have a passion for becoming a chef. It is her innate love for food which made her think about starting a career 10 years ago in the food industry. This after completing her two associate degrees in fashion retail management at The Art Institute and another in hotel management at Broward College, and also after studying to become a medical billing professional overseas.

“I ended up having to move home back to Jamaica and somehow stumbled upon this career, and that was through my love of eating,” Von Strolley said.

“I love to eat. I always try to ensure that whatever menu I put together, it’s something that not only will I look forward to, but someone else who has never tried my food before,” she said.

In addition to the buffet, there will be DJs around the wheels of steel: DJ Tyler, Kola Champagne and Kamal Bankay x Lurbz, to create a relaxing experience.

Local mixed drink specials with the finest blends will also be up for grabs at the bar from the title sponsor, Appleton Estate.

ainsworth.morris@gleanerjm.com