Celebrity Chef Wenford Simpson and Reality Star Sky Hollywood— two formidable forces in the kitchen…
One Saturday a few weeks ago — fresh from hosting an all night party in nearby New Jersey, med-spa owner, bonafied party girl and soon to be reality star Sky Hollywood, raced through early morning traffic with her husband at the wheels to get to the prestigious Sony Hall in time for her meeting with renowned celebrity chef, Wenford Simpson. Simpson, a Jamaican who is celebrated as one of the foremost culinary experts in the region has cooked for the likes of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, R&B singer Ciara and more. Sky Hollywood, who is preparing for a busy schedule of upcoming public and media appearances was making her first official TV taping and was very careful not to be late. Known for her admirable work ethics, Sky dug right in and after the pleasantries the two hit it off in the kitchen.
Chef Simpson, a formidable force in the kitchen is no stranger to celebrities coming in and out of the former B.B Kings Blues Club & Grill, now Sony Hall. A prominent events venue smack right in the heart of New York City’s theater district, Sony Hall caters to the elite events crowd and brings in the who’s who in performance arts. On this particular Saturday, the sounds of laughter and smells of deep Caribbean aroma made its way through the halls of the historic building. Sky Hollywood was helping the chef to cook one of his favorite Lobster dishes. As if this was not her first time in front of the glaring lights of television cameras , Sky eased into the roll of guest while the preppy chef chatted her up about various topics from skincare to reality TV.
Like the Chef, Sky loves to cook, but this is not her foremost passion. She does it mostly for her husband of ten years, a New York City DJ who goes by the moniker Hollywood Hype and the pair often display their cooking skills to the delight of their thousands of social media followers. It was only fitting that Sky joined Chef Simpson on his platform to learn from the affable master chef. The chef who’s had a steady rise to success from years of hardship in the big apple shares his plans to expand his Simpsons Group , create his own food products, create a restaurant chain, cookware brand and open ‘The Simpson Culinary Institute’ along with a motivational tour. Not one to shy away from his past sleeping on a basement floor or packing bags in a supermarket, Simpson says that…”everyone should have faith within themselves and believe and trust whatever you put out in the world, that’s what comes back to you and everyone should have big dreams.” With cooking shows on multiple networks across the Caribbean and the Caribbean Diaspora, a bestselling cook book and scheduled appearances in various cities across North America, one thing is certain and that is how in demand Simpson has become. No doubt, an enviable place to be. As culinary ambassador, Chef Simpson’s face now sits on shelves in Walmart stores on Walkerswood select products in the United States.
Sky knew she was cooking with good company and that was evident in the way the conversations flowed between her and the chef. As her husband stood watching on the sidelines, Sky meticulously navigated her way through spices and small talk and the energy was palpable. A Jamaican who migrated to the United States some time ago, Sky will soon join eight other women from Canada, London, New York and Jamaica in the anticipated Reality Show Dancehall Divas, slated to air in some six million households in early 2020. The show will be carried by CEEN Caribbean TV in North America, Catch in the Caribbean, CEEN.TV Stream and BET Plus later in the year. A mother of a young adult daughter, Sky’s family also includes her three adorable Shih Tzus who will make their television debut in some of her upcoming episodes. When asked what she’s looking forward to the most for the upcoming series, Sky lamented that… “working with these other eight beautiful women with all the different personality and also how the world will take on Dancehall Divas”
As a med-spa owner and facial skincare expert, Sky loves to talk skincare and beauty and recommends the best way to treat tired parched skin is with a daily regimen of her Hollysky cleanser, Hollysky toner, Hollysky serum, Hollysky moisturizer and insists that you should never leave home without her Hollysky sunscreen.
Sky believes in making the kitchen duties as light and enjoyable as ever and often touts her favorite drink while cooking. She shares an easy cocktail recipe for one of her go to drinks, the Longbeach; which comprises of Vodka, Tequila, Jamaican rum, Gin and Cranberry juice. Everyday is a chance to try something different in Sky’s kitchen, but among her favorite recipes is Sky’s Peppered Shrimp. Seasoned with Bay seafood season, black pepper, Goya’s Sazon, two tablespoons butter, one onion, scotch bonnet pepper and bell peppers (yellow and red half)In a hot saucepan with butter, toss in the seasoned shrimp under low fire and cover to steam for steam for 15–20 minutes.
Want to cook some of Chef Simpson’s most requested dishes? Find his recipe book here and indulge in a special treat from the premier celebrity chef below.
COCONUT CURRY SALMON
INGREDIENTS:
1/8 oz. salmon
2 oz. red bell pepper julienned
2 oz. green bell pepper, julienned
2 oz. fresh onion, julienned
1. tsp. fresh thyme leaf
1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
2 oz. scallion, diced
1 tbsp. fresh garlic
black pepper and salt, to taste
6 oz. coconut milk
2 oz. unsalted butter
4. oz water
1 tbsp. Walkerswood Curry Paste
2 oz. olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
Place salmon on a cutting board and marinate with one teaspoon Walkerswood Curry Paste, salt and pepper and Old Bay Seasoning. Massage the seasoning into the salmon and put inside the refrigerator to marinate for about 30 minutes. On the stove heat a metal skillet and add olive oil and butter to melt. When it is nice add hot hot add in all of the fresh ingredients, along with one tablespoon of Walkerswood Curry Paste, to cook for about 1 minute. Put in the salmon and cook for about 3 minutes on a low flame. Add salt and pepper to taste, then add coconut milk with 4 oz of water and let it cook for about 5 minutes (low flame). Once the sauce becomes nice and thick, taste for flavor and add more pepper if needed). Serve with white rice and enjoy.
Cooking with Love is aired on CVM in Jamaica, on CEEN TV and CIN TV and also on the Tempo Network — Cook up with Chef Patrick.
To learn more about chef Simpson, visit his website.
