Words by Andrea K. Castillo
Belize, land of the free by the Carib Sea, is a sovereign nation with a lot to offer, and a lot that is still shrouded in mystery. The naturally lush nation is known for its Barrier Reef, wildlife, gorgeous flora and fauna, Mayan ruins, and ethnically diverse population. For many that live outside of the nation, or major US cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and New York City, the food and culture is still fairly unfamiliar.
On YouTube, you can find many videos, mainly homemade by tourists, that give some insight to the delicious food of Belize. But, if you are a Belizean, like myself, it is most exciting to get that story from a local. Enter Homegrown, a new web-series about Belizean food and culture created and hosted by Jeevs, cousin to our own DJ Rampage Global. A current film student at University of the West Indies, Jeevs is using his platform to travel the districts of Belize interviewing local artists and creators over a staple dish of that region.
Episode one starts the series off in Belize City in the Belize District sharing a plate of the national dish of stewed chicken, rice & beans, fried plantain, and potato salad with singer-songwriter Tanya Carter at famous Creole eatery, D An D’s. In episode two, we head west to Santa Elena in the Cayo District for barbecue at Boiton’s BBQ with photographer Quilz Tamay.
Watch the first two episodes here:
In the next episode, Jeevs travels to San Pedro, to connect with beauty queen and San Pedrana, Michelle Núñez, over delicacies from Belizean celebrity chef Jennie Staines. Stay tuned for the premiere of episode three right here on LargeUp this Sunday!
