5 minutes with…Steve Griffon, the executive chef at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

By Hannah Barnard on 10th October, 2017

We met Steve Griffon, the executive chef at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort to chat about his passion for food, French cooking and fishing at sunset.

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

 

Who inspired you to become a chef?

Since my childhood, cooking has always been a part of my life. I grew up in a small coastal village in Vendee, France on a farm with my parents, sisters and brothers. When I came back from school one day I was looking in the fridge to check which products were inside to make a dessert. It was during Spring, which is a time when we grow many fruits plus we had cream, milk, butter, eggs from our farm. From that I realised I could make either a nice plum tart or crème caramel. It inspired me to want to become a chef and share these delicious meals with other people.

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Which cuisine do you most enjoy cooking?

I am comfortable cooking different styles of cuisine but I really enjoy cooking well-executed classics like a seafood bouillabaisse or a cassoulet cooked on the fire in a homemade terracotta dish. My philosophy has always been to use fresh local wholesome ingredients, as natural as possible to keep their unique flavors and texture.

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Where does your culinary and flavor inspiration come from?

Since finishing school I have travelled to different parts of the world for work. I have learnt various techniques from many international chefs – which I have found very inspiring. For instance, I recently made tamales with my co-workers from Ecuador and the other day I was cooking asado outside with whole farm raised pigs from another chef from Argentina. We also cooked some locally sourced vegetables on the fire at the same time – it was a really enjoyable moment of cooking.

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

What’s your signature dish?

I have many dishes that I really like to make with locally sourced ingredients. These are my signatures dishes because I feel like I am using the best ingredients. My direction of cuisine is to have a rustic family-style experience with a focus on respecting the produce.

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

When not creating culinary masterpieces, what’s your favorite thing to do on the Cayman Islands?

These amazing islands have a diversity of people from all around the world and the diversity of the food here is very complete. There are so many great restaurants that I enjoy trying. On my days off, I go fishing on a small 16-foot boat and catch a few bonito, snapper, mahi while enjoying the sunset at the same time. These are really relaxing moments and the time when I get the chance to connect with myself.

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Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

This month the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort will host a spiritual event named ‘Dark Night’ at their Beach House to mark the New Moon. Taking place on Friday 20 October, visit Anchor & Den for an enjoyable evening of Apothecary elixirs, holistic bites, stargazing and intention setting.  To make a reservation or find out more about this experiential event click here!

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Liked this post? Read more about the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and their superb restaurant offering here!

 

 

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