Rosemary Parkinson, Contributor
Dr. Richard Harrison (right) and Chef Sam Choy at Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa's Food and Wine Epicurean Escape 2005 'Jawaiian II: Twice The Spice'. - PHOTO BY ROSEMARY PARKINSON
DR. RICHARD Harrison was involved in every aspect of activities throughout the week of Grand Lido Negril Resort & Spa's Food & Wine Epicurean Escape 2005 'Jawaiian II: Twice The Spice' We spoke during the Media Market Place.
Married with two children, Dr. Harrison has been an integral part of these festivities since inception. He studied at the University of the West Indies where he received his degree in medicine. He is now an integral part of the Emergency Room at the Kingston Public Hospital.
"I have been interested in cooking since the age of four" he said. "My mother was pregnant and I just had to help her in the kitchen. I have had a passion for cooking ever since then. Urged on by my mother through the years I was allowed to be in the kitchen side by side with her. Today I love anything to do with food. When the Epicurean Escape began and I met Chef Maginley, he saw this passion that I had, he introduced me to his kitchen, and the rest is history."
Well, not history really, for any spare time that this doctor has outside of his rather trying job, he gets to assist Chef Maginley, not only with the annual festival, but any other special event.
HIS LOVE OF FOOD
"I have learned so much from him (Maginley) about professionalism in the kitchen, the protocol needed to run a large organisation - something that I have found 'rare' (pardon my pun) in other Jamaican kitchens," he added. "On top of that, working with him creates in me ideas about high-end cooking that I never would have imagined had I just been at home doing my own thing."
Now don't get the doctor wrong - he loves his profession, chosen partly because his parents encouraged him (his sister is also a doctor), he enjoys helping people. Dr. Harrison spoke at length about his love of food. When at home, and when he has time, he entertains friends with gusto, using all he has learned from Chef Maginley. When asked what restaurant, other than those featured at Grand Lido Negril, he enjoys eating at, there was no hesitation in saying Norma's On The Terrace in St. Andrew. I have no time for nine-day wonders. Norma takes her life as a restaurateur seriously. I love that."
