Chef Profile: Deon Thomas

Chef Deon Thomas divides his culinary talents between two islands, Anguilla in the Caribbean and Martha's Vineyard in the United States. His two restaurants, Deon's Overlook in Anguilla and The Cornerway Restaurant in Chilmark on Martha's Vineyard, MA. keep this popular chef very busy. When he is not in the kitchen concocting innovative new dishes, he is out prowling the local farms for the best vegetables and fruit.

Profile:

How long have you been on Anguilla: I came to Anguilla in 1991 to work as a chef at Cyrils Fish House in Island Harbour.

What do you like about Anguilla: I come from Jamacia and in many ways Anguilla reminds me of home. The people, beaches and the relaxed lifestyle.

Date of birth: March 26, 1968

Marital status: Married with one daughter

Education: After high school I attended college in Jamacia to study institutional management and then went into the culinary arts. I also attended the Culinary Institue in New York.

Where did you train: The Wyndham Hotel in Jamacia.

Describe yourself: I am a very spiritual person which helps me creatively. I am outgoing and like fishing and football.

What is your most indispensable kitchen tool and why: I still own and use the first knife I was able to buy with my paycheck as a chef. I just love that knife.

Who was your inspiration: Jacque Bennoitt, my mentor and head chef at the Wyndham.

What is your favorite dish to make: I would have to say my award winning dish, Garlic crusted snapper.

What is your favorite spice and why: I love garlic. It is so versitile.

If you were not a chef what would be your dream job: Preacher.

What is a “must try” entrée at your restaurant: Definitely try the lobster pancake.

What is your favorite part of the job: Going around the island and choosing fresh produce from our local farmers.

Do you plan any changes for your menu: We like to change items on the menu twice a year. It is a nice was to explore new things. Of course some items alway remain. We are now doing some Italian food.

What advice do you have for culinary students getting started: Humble yourself and learn as much as you can. You can never learn too much and you never know who might teach you something.

Contact Chef Deon
Deon's OverLook
Deon Thomas
Back Street South Hill
Tel: 264.497.4488
Email: deonthomas@worldnet.att.net
deon@overlookrestaurant.com
To visit Deon's Overlook in South Hill, follow these directions.
Deon's Overlook is located on “Backroad” along the cliff in South Hill. Starting from the airport parking lot take the only exit and turn left, then turn left again past the airport entrance, straight through the roundabout and toward the West End. Continue straight through the sandy ground roundabout, Continue past the large Methodist Church where you make the sharp right turn. Continue Straight past the left for blowing point at Connors rental cars and turn right at the sign for Deon’s Overlook (Or Irie Life). Drive out to backroad on the cliff and turn right (it is one way)

Chef Deon Thomas

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