Stevie finds joy in cooking great food
Published:Saturday | October 13, 2012 | 12:00 AM
Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer
STEVIE CARTER, the eldest brother of Jamaican Olympian Nesta Carter, is not burning up the tracks like his sibling. Instead, he is making his own mark as one of the most talented and popular chefs in Manchester.
Stevie, as he is popularly called, grew up with his grandmother in Davyton, Manchester, the hometown of international reggae artiste Luciano, his cousin.
Growing up in Davyton, he learned the art of cooking from his grandmother. He explained: "Growing up, I had quite a few brothers and sisters, and I had to always prepare something for them. At all times, my grandmother was always teaching me certain things. It is not like I went to any school for it or anything. I just naturally developed the art of cooking."
He added: "I really realised that I had a talent for cooking at 17 years old. I went to England learning trade with some bredda. They got some fish and asked me to cook it. It was the first time I was steaming fish, and it came out great. The men were impressed. From then, I recognise that this is something I am good at."
Stevie worked with a catering service for Cable and Wireless in the 1980s, where he said he learned some important aspects of cooking, which augmented his abilities as a chef.
He tried other work, including auto-body repairs, but when it mattered, being a chef was what brought him the most success.
"I tried other things because I am a man who can do different things to survive," he said. "However, the cooking aspect has just evolved over the years. I became better at it, and I am now cooking for a lot of people all over the place."
Because of his reputation as an excellent chef, he is in constant demand to cook at various events all across Manchester and other parishes. He has been doing this for the past 20 years.
He disclosed, "I cook at countless events such as Rebel Salute, Bembe, dances, parties, weddings, you name it. The people love my style of cooking, and I appreciate the support that I have got over the years."
NEW VENTURE
Subsequently, he and close friend 'Belly' set up a cook spot at Royal Flat and have received the support of people from near and far. There, you can get the best curried goat, fried chicken, stewed pork, and mannish water, among other favourites.
They have recently moved up a notch. Belly has opened Belly's Restaurant and Bar in Royal Flat, where Stevie is one of the main chefs.
"In cooking, you have to be consistent and maintain that good taste. That is what people will be coming back for. How you season your food is also important."
Stevie is happy for the success of his brother, Nesta, in athletics. "I am proud of him. I didn't have the money to give him as a brother. What I had was love and good advice. He is very talented and I feel good to see how far he has reached."