Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2018 | Page 136
Chef
Sean Kuylen
Sean was born in the Mestizo and Maya
Northern District of Corozal. He later relocated
with his family to Dangriga, a town consisting
predominantly of the Garifuna culture. At school,
he became immersed in the rich Afro-Carib
culture of that region, and by his teenage years,
started to appreciate their music and language.
In 2004, Sean left Belize for culinary school and
returned with a new, eager appreciation of all the
cultures and food Belize had to offer. He revisited
the people, this time not as a musician playing at
their respective Food Festivals such as the Cacau,
Mango, Taco, Rum, Turmeric, Tamale, Lobster and
Cashew Festivals - yes, there are festivals for all
these foods, but now as a chef! He simply started
to substitute and apply the science of cooking
which resulted in the birth of his now 100% focus
on Belizean Cuisine.
Over the years, Sean has amassed an impressive
and diverse portfolio ranging from unique
Sere Lasus (seafood broth)
restaurants to high volume resorts and high-end
boutique properties in the US, Belize, Dominica
and St. Vincent and The Grenadines. He has ably
represented Belize’s Cuisine in Mexico, El Salvador,
the U.S. and Taiwan. He is a contributing author
of recipes and television cooking videos to the
Flavors of Belize Cookbook, B’un B’un Cookbook
in the country of Barbados, the Belize Hospital
Auxiliary Cookbook and recently, is the Culinary
Host to his own traveling television series called
Great Belize Cooking.
You’ll find Chef Sean and his culturally
appropriate menus in his unique mobile catering
kitchen, travelling around the country to food
festivals and corporate events.
Chef Sean’s success comes from fusing Western
culinary traditions and techniques with a native
understanding of Caribbean & Central American
ingredients, food and cultures. His innovative and
exuberant approach in the kitchen continues to
motivate future chefs and carve him a place in the
world of food through his signature interpretation
of Inspired Belizean Cuisine.