This month, the flavours of the Caribbean will be winging their way back to Roundhay when Chophaus invites top chef, Dom Taylor to take over their kitchen. On 29th November, customers can tuck into inspired Caribbean food with soul.
Despite being most commonly known as a steakhouse and bar, the team at Chophaus wanted to bring some sunshine to the leafy Leeds suburb and have worked closely with Dom to bring together a menu of traditional island dishes. With a residency at one of London’s top Caribbean restaurants, Fourteen87, Dom has been cooking up a gastronomical storm for many years.
Speaking about the takeover, Executive Chef Dom Taylor says: “My Caribbean takeover at Chophaus last year was really well received so I was excited when the opportunity arose for me to come back. I cook food that creates joy and brings people together. With a Jamaican mum and St Lucian father, cooking Caribbean food evokes real nostalgia in me and I want to share that with other people.
I’m looking forward to the takeover at Chophaus. I think it will be a lot of fun. The food is traditional Caribbean food, but with my own personal twist so it’s definitely a little different to what you would normally expect to find at this particular restaurant. I’m sure everyone who comes along to the takeover will really enjoy it.”
As Leeds’ West Indian carnival was cancelled for a second year in a row this summer, the takeover will enable more people to taste the flavours and culture of the Caribbean right here in Yorkshire.
Dom has created a three-course menu for Chophaus, with a vegan option also available. Visitors to the takeover will have their taste buds brought to life with ackee and saltfish cakes accompanied by a scotch bonnet mayo, jerk chicken skewers with plantain jam, classic curry goat and banana blossom stew, amongst other dishes. Traditional accompaniments include rice and peas, chilli, coriander and lime dressed plantain, as well as mac n cheese and chunky slaw – perfect to balance out the big flavours of the main dishes. For those with a sweet tooth, Dom has created two perfect desserts - sorrel and ginger jelly with a tropical fruit salad and pina colada tart – a pineapple and coconut take on the classic cocktail.
Operation’s director Dale Wynter, talks about working with Dom on his winter takeover: “Dom has an incredible reputation and his food isn’t just about filling bellies (though it does that too), but it is about telling a story and letting people try Caribbean food who may not have had the opportunity before. The menus are creative, yet traditional and it’s great that he will be introducing something new to the people of Leeds. The flavours are amazing and the menu is sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces.”
