Meet Marianna Farag | Owner and Head Chef of Marianna’s Kitchen

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

Hi Marianna, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?
I’d say it’s a mix of habits and traits. In terms of habits, I think having a good wellbeing routine is pivotal to running a business with a clear head and enough energy- especially restaurants which are physically and mentally demanding. So having a routine with sleep & wake up times, a nutritious diet, exercise, meditation etc: these are all SO important for keeping up with a marathon, not a race. I really swear by this, especially meditation has taken a greater place in my life. The other criteria are not so much habits, but rather traits. Traits meaning being creative, flexible, open-minded, empathetic, a good listener, self-aware, being resilient and disciplined.  The last two are important because there will be highs and lows and the strength and commitment has to outshine. Of course, you also have to be comfortable in failing sometimes and picking yourself up again real quick. 

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am not sure what to classify myself as. By nature, I think I am a cerebral creative. Food has always been the love of my life, but I love all creative fields namely food, music and fashion. My life long dream was to actually become a fashion designer- which never happened for reasons I wont necessarily get into today. Let’s just say, I was recommended to choose a more “serious” career- so I ended up doing global marketing in the big corporate world for 15 years. Those years gave me the business experience that I needed to then open my own: Marianna’s Kitchen. So everything in life works for a reason, I guess! After so many years of waiting, I’d say my restaurant now is a true representation of my world, my beliefs, everything I love. It’s free spirited, authentic and endlessly curious and creative about this fascinating world we live in. I think I am just trying to do something different in the most authentic way possible. I believe food has this magical power to create community and some sort of peace in the world- so I guess that’s what I’m trying to do.

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?
For Jamaica I think Kingston is a really interesting place. I’d want them to feel the heartbeat so without a doubt I’d take them to Coronation Market, the very colourful and vibrant Hellshire Beach (30 mins out of Kingston). Port Royal is also an interesting place that I’ve always liked. I love the beaches in St.Thomas, so I’d have them explore that parish too. For music, I love the magical energy at Dub Club. I also really love Hope Gardens, the extra fee to visit the Chinese Gardens is worth it too. If they have never tried ackee or breadfruit before, I’d insist that they try it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family of course, especially my mother. She would had been a huge influence in my life and taught me a lot in terms of food but also just being brave and being myself. My mother was a very strong but incredibly caring and nurturing woman- and as I get older, I can appreciate how her day to day behaviour moulded me into who I am today. My brother is my best friend and we both grew up with a very nerdy appreciation to food, so he has become my food confident over the years somewhat. We talk about food a lot, and having someone to share that with is really important. My team of course, especially Joel and Tamika who have been with me since day 1 are irreplaceable. And I think the other major shoutout are to all the travel experiences, the restaurants, the street vendors, the people who create food culture on a day to day basis and have inspired me even though I do not know them personally. But their very existence is why I love this world of food the way I do.

And last but not least, our wonderful regular guests who have become a part of my funny little world. Some of them have now become “Kitchen friends” and that’s quite special ☺

Instagram: @missmariannaf

Other: I only use Instagram

Image Credits:
The picture of me is taken by “Luke, one of our friendly regulars
all pictures taken by myself MARIANNA FARAG