Meet Haleem Card | Executive Chef and Culinary Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Haleem Card and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Haleem, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most crucial lesson my career has taught me is the paramount importance of integrity and staying true to myself. Knowing my worth has been instrumental in navigating opportunities and challenges. Accountability is non-negotiable and without it, a great team is only able hands selfishly working for themselves and that has no place in a kitchen. While I embrace my wild-child spirit, thriving on risks and pressure, I’ve learned that meticulous planning and preparation must lead the charge. By anticipating contingencies, freestyling becomes effortless, ensuring success even in the face of uncertainty.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey in the culinary world has been a tapestry woven with rebellion, passion, and a deep love for the arts. As the only male in a household, I often found myself as the black sheep, but that only fueled my determination to carve my own path. While others were engrossed in sports, I was drawn to the allure of Iron Chef America, Good Eats, and Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, soaking in every culinary detail.

Growing up with a mother who was a chef, I was introduced to the magic of cooking techniques and a vast array of ingredients. My journey began with a fascination for pastry and designer cakes, which gradually led me into the realm of cooking.

Navigating the culinary landscape in Jamaica was no easy feat. The market was saturated, and the status quo for food was deeply entrenched. But I refused to conform. I embraced the weird and the untouched, carving my niche in the industry by venturing where others feared to tread.

Despite the challenges, my career flourished, thanks to a solid education and the humility instilled in me by my upbringing. Representing my country in The World Cook and placing second was a crowning achievement, alongside the joy of creating meals for my partner and son, who are my biggest fans.

In essence, my story is one of a wild spirit on a mission to leave a positive impact on every life I touch. Whether it’s through a helping hand or a transcendent dining experience, my goal remains the same: to make the world a better place, one dish at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food: Im a simple guy but as a chef i barely eat at other restaurants, i need something quick and hits the spot.

Broken Plate by Damion Stewart, Progressive Plaza, Liguanea
Chicken and Tings – Shortwood Road
Quick Chik – Grants Pen
Tastee – local fast food chain specializing in patties (flaky pastry stuffed with several fillings, traditionally minced beef)

Drinks:
100 – 100 Hope Road
Kaya Herb House – they also have artisan pizza thats pretty decent, but yes its needed after “gardening” at this dispensary

Honourable Mentions:

Bad Dawg Hot Dog Cart – local hotdog brand, multiple locations
China Garden – Dominica Drive
Pizza Please – Village Plaza

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout to my beautiful family: my partner Saphaire and my son Hassan. You both are my muse and my peace of mind in the noise of this world.

I owe immense gratitude to my greatest mentors, some of whom were my past teachers, and to my mother and grandmother at home, for nurturing my curiosity and never stifling my dreams but investing in them.

A special thanks to Serial Entrepreneur and Business Tycoon PJ Wright for exemplifying what it means to be a loving and empathetic boss. Your teachings on the power of a to-do list and the importance of accountability in business have been invaluable.

To Chef Oji Jaja, thank you for providing me with brilliant networking opportunities that kickstarted my career. Your support has been instrumental in establishing my niche market among Jamaicans and incoming tourists while breaking down barriers in the industry in the pursuit of fine dining.

Lastly, a heartfelt appreciation to Chef Jason Howard, a culinary titan and Masterchef, for imparting life-changing wisdom both professionally and personally. Your remarkable skill inside and outside the kitchen is awe-inspiring, and I hope this shoutout does justice to the roses you truly deserve.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chef.card?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Other: TikTok: @masterchef.876

Image Credits
JDASH Creative Lab