March 10th: Today’s Feature

March

Ainsley Denzil Dubriel Harriott MBE (born 28 February 1957) is an English chef and television presenter. He is known for his BBC cooking game shows Can't Cook, Won't Cook and Ready Steady Cook.

Early life

Ainsley Harriott was born in Paddington, London, to Peppy (nee Strudwick), and Chester Leroy Harriott. His father was a pianist and singer, and he had Jamaican heritage. Harriott attended Wandsworth Comprehensive School before pursuing his culinary passion. He trained at Westminster Kingsway College and secured an apprenticeship at Verrey's restaurant in London's West End, where he started his career as a commis chef.

Career

Harriott's career is a diverse mix of comedy, singing, and cooking. Along with his school friend Paul Boross, he formed the Calypso Twins and released a successful record titled "World Party" in the early 1990s. The duo performed regularly at venues like the Comedy Store and Jongleurs, gaining popularity in America and on various TV and radio shows. Harriott later became the head chef at the Long Room of Lord's Cricket Ground. He also ventured into presenting, hosting shows like More Nosh, Less Dosh on BBC Radio 5 Live, and even made appearances as an extra in popular TV shows like Hale and Pace.

Ainsley Harriott, has established himself as a prominent figure in the culinary world after nearly thirty years in the industry. In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting and the culinary arts, he was honoured with an MBE in 2020. Renowned for hosting twenty-one seasons of the popular show Ready, Steady, Cook, as well as numerous successful solo cooking series, Harriott has perfected the art of creating vibrant, enjoyable, and approachable cuisine. His expertise and passion have made him a household name and a cherished national treasure.

Ainsley Harriott's culinary journey began at Westminster College, where he received comprehensive training that laid the foundation for his successful career in London's esteemed hotels and restaurants. With years of experience working in professional kitchens, Ainsley has honed his skills and developed a profound understanding of the culinary arts.

In the early 1990s, Ainsley's talent caught the attention of BBC TV, and he was invited to become the resident chef on the popular show, Good Morning With Anne And Nick. This opportunity proved to be a turning point in his career, as it paved the way for his own television series, Ready, Steady, Cook, which catapulted him to fame.

Throughout his television career, Ainsley has hosted a range of successful series that showcase his expertise and passion for cooking. Some of these include Ainsley's Barbeque Bible, where he shares his secrets for creating mouthwatering grilled dishes, and Ainsley's Meals in Minutes, which demonstrates his ability to whip up delicious meals in no time. Ainsley Harriott's Street Food takes viewers on a culinary adventure, exploring the vibrant and diverse street food culture from around the world.

Television, Travels & Tastes

In addition to his popular series, Ainsley has also ventured into international television, hosting shows such as The Ainsley Harriott Show and Ready Set Cook for the US audience, Off The Menu for South Africa Television, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen and Ainsley's Market Menu for SBS Australia in 2019.

Ainsley, in addition to being a renowned chef, is a highly successful author with a track record of selling over two million books globally. Among his popular titles are Ainsley’s Barbecue Bible, the Meals in Minutes series, Friends and Family, Ainsley’s Caribbean Kitchen, and his most recent release, Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook. These books showcase his culinary expertise and offer a wide range of recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Ainsley has leveraged his extensive travels around the world to bring unique and delicious flavours to his dishes, making them perfect for individuals with busy lifestyles. The Ainsley Harriott food range has experienced significant growth over the past 15 years, becoming a staple in supermarkets across the UK and Australia.

By offering quick, easy, and mouth-watering meal solutions, Ainsley has successfully brought global flavours to households, inspiring people to explore new culinary horizons through his products and recipes.

Gobal Forming

Ainsley's unwavering love for food and his positive and enthusiastic nature have successfully united individuals from various corners of the globe, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse culinary traditions. With his contagious and effortless charisma, he has cultivated a community of food enthusiasts who revel in the pleasures of savouring delectable dishes, sharing laughter, and forging meaningful connections through the universal language of food.

Through his culinary endeavours, Ainsley has become a catalyst for global friendships, as people from all walks of life come together to celebrate the beauty of different food cultures. His passion for exploring the world's cuisines has not only expanded his own palate but has also inspired countless others to embark on their own gastronomic adventures. Ainsley's magnetic personality and genuine love for people have created a warm and inviting atmosphere where foodies can gather, exchange stories, and revel in the joys of discovering new flavours and textures.

In this vibrant community, food is not merely sustenance but a means to connect with others on a deeper level. Ainsley's infectious energy and unwavering optimism have transformed the act of eating into a celebration of life and friendship. With every bite, individuals are transported to different corners of the world, experiencing the rich tapestry of flavours and cultures that make our planet so diverse and beautiful. Ainsley's ability to bring people together through the universal language of food is a testament to his remarkable impact on the global culinary landscape, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the shared human experience.

His unwavering dedication to the culinary arts serves as a constant source of inspiration and joy for people across the globe. His profound love for food has the power to captivate audiences worldwide, leaving no doubt of his ability to foster harmony and unity through the universal language of cuisine making him a true ambassador for peace, as he effortlessly brings people together to love, laugh and eat.