Soul-warming and flavorful, Caribbean food is comfort at its finest.
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with Chef Thia, culinary expert and social media influencer known for Haitian-fusion cuisine and a larger-than-life personality. Having been a restaurant owner, TV host of Taste the Islands, best-selling author, and women’s advocate, she has a multifaceted career that’s truly inspiring. Learn about her culinary adventures, explore her hardcover cookbook, Taste the Islands: Culinary Adventures in a Caribbean Kitchen, and get a taste of her signature spice line, Chef Thia’s Spice, at this exclusive meet and greet.
About Chef Thia
With her radiant smile, Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna embodies a vibrant culinary force.
Born in Haiti, she’s a celebrated personal chef, author, and TV host specializing in Caribbean-fusion cuisine.
Her culinary journey began at 17 in her mother’s Haitian restaurant, leading to her own venture, Atelier Les Bamboos. Under the mentorship of top chef Reginald Koury and roles at Club Med, she honed her craft. Graduating cum laude from Le Cordon Bleu in Miami, she’s left her mark at Ritz Carlton franchises and as a culinary ambassador for Haiti, showcasing her expertise globally. In 2017, she clinched the People’s Choice Award at the Embassy Chef Challenge, a testament to her prowess. North Miami honored her with a day dedicated to her culinary contributions. Co-hosting Taste the Islands, she’s showcased her skills to a national audience, and her cookbook, “50 Favorite Haitian Recipes,” soared to #1 on Amazon’s Caribbean cookbook list.
Beyond her culinary achievements, Verna’s social media presence has inspired thousands, overcoming personal challenges with resilience. As a mother of three, she continues to shine in South Florida’s culinary scene, her story resonating with audiences worldwide.
From Chef Thia’s Kitchen to Yours
SPICE LINE
Chef Thia’s Spices brings the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine right to your kitchen with her expertly crafted dry spice blends.
Her Signature Spice Mix is a versatile, all-purpose blend featuring dried orange peel, roasted garlic, and cumin, perfect for adding depth to any dish. For those who love a peppery kick, Verna’s Peppercorn Spice Mix combines pink, green, black, and white peppercorns, ideal for enhancing red meats and vegetables. The Torched Bird Spice Mix, a fan favorite, infuses poultry and white meats with the rich aromas of paprika, turmeric, and roasted garlic and is versatile enough for seafood, salad dressings, and eggs. The L’Ocean seafood seasoning promises a burst of Caribbean zest with non-GMO lime juice, bell peppers, and sea salt, capturing the essence of traditional island dishes.
“It’s been a dream of mine to just have something created from the heart,” said Verna.
Chef Thia’s Spices are not only a nod to her Haitian heritage but also a testament to her commitment to healthy, flavorful cooking.
Chef Thia’s Spices are available for purchase exclusively at Key Food Supermarket in Weston and on chefthia.com
COOKBOOKS
Taste the Islands: Culinary Adventures in a Caribbean Kitchen
Embark on a mouthwatering journey through the Caribbean with this vibrant collection of gourmet and home-style recipes. Hugh Sinclair and Cynthia Verna, known as “Chef Irie” and “Chef Thia,” on their television show Taste the Islands, introduce ingredients and flavors that open windows into the region’s many cultures. Sinclair and Verna share their own recipes as well as traditional island favorites. Starting with “stop gap” snacks like fritters made from malanga root and continuing through desserts and cocktails, they include refreshing salads like pineapple pepper slaw, soups with “a healthy dose of soul” made with bases such as calabaza pumpkin or black beans, and main dishes such as curried goat or mussels chorizo in mango coconut sauce. From the authors’ home nations of Jamaica and Haiti to St. Lucia, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, the communities represented in these dishes have deep histories. The recipes feature both native and colonial food traditions that have been passed down for generations and showcase African, European, Middle Eastern, and Asian influences. Sinclair and Verna also incorporate tastes and techniques from their international travels, capturing the eclectic variety of Caribbean cuisine today. Filled with colorful photographs and infused with the joy of two expert chefs celebrating the foods that are closest to their hearts, Taste the Islands brings the places, histories, and rhythms of the Caribbean into your home kitchen.
“50 Favorite Haitian Recipes: Taste the Islands Essentials”
Dive into the vibrant world of Haitian cuisine with “50 Favorite Haitian Recipes: Taste the Islands Essentials,” a beautifully illustrated book curated by renowned chef Cynthia Chef “Thia” Verna. Published by the executive producer of the acclaimed TV series, this book is the go-to authority on Caribbean cooking. It brings forth a treasure trove of 50 beloved Haitian recipes, from zesty Pikilz to succulent Griot and heartwarming Soup Joumou. With its easy-to-follow instructions, insightful recipe backgrounds, and tips for handling unique Caribbean ingredients, this cookbook is perfect for both beginners and seasoned chefs alike. Whether you’re embarking on a culinary adventure or seeking a taste of home, “50 Favorite Haitian Recipes: Taste the Islands Essentials” promises to delight your palate and inspire your kitchen creativity. Don’t miss out on this culinary journey through Haiti’s rich flavors – it’s a cookbook that’s sure to be cherished by food enthusiasts and makes for a wonderful gift for loved ones. Available on Amazon and Kindle
