Nestled in the heart of Antigua, Cree’s Crazy Citchen has emerged as a beacon of culinary excellence and community spirit. This is the story of a seasoned chef whose journey has been marked by passion, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for Caribbean cuisine.
For over 30 years, Marvis Brade has honed his craft, helping others build their brands while dreaming of creating his own. “Being a chef for over 30 years and working with others to help them build their brand made me decide to build my own brand,” he shared. The St. John’s native began his culinary journey in the warm, inviting kitchen of his grandmother. “I used to cook as a boy with my grandma,” he reminisced. The rich flavours and traditions of his grandmother’s cooking laid the foundation for a menu that pays homage to the essence of Caribbean cuisine.
Starting a restaurant is no small feat, and Chef Brade faced numerous challenges. “Product placement, staffing, and paying attention to all expenses were some of the biggest challenges,” he admitted. Balancing the roles of an entrepreneur and a chef leaves little room for rest. “I don’t sleep,” he said with a chuckle. His advice for aspiring restaurateurs is rooted in experience: “Extensive market research is crucial, especially in a tourism-driven economy.”
The menu at Cree’s is a testament to the chef’s creativity and dedication. Signature dishes like shrimp tacos with a Louisiana twist and jerk chicken tacos with a unique blend of Caribbean spices showcase his innovative approach. “We keep the menu fresh by always having something new. We review the menu monthly to see the slow-selling items and do a revamp,” he said. This constant evolution keeps both tourists and locals excited and coming back for more.
Looking to the future, the chef has ambitious plans. “I plan to have multiple locations and eventually franchise,” he revealed. His vision is not just about expansion but also about leaving a lasting legacy. “I hope to set a bar for young chefs coming up. My ceiling should be their ground or second floor,” he stated passionately.
Since opening, one of his proudest moments is the successful completion of Restaurant Week. During this highly anticipated event, Cree’s showcased his culinary skills to a wide audience. In addition to his culinary impact, Cree’s Crazy Citchen provides service to the local community. “We contribute to the local community through a home school program for young boys and mental health wellness initiative,” he explained. This commitment extends beyond the kitchen, highlighting the Cree’s role as a pillar of support and growth in Antigua.
Reflecting on his journey, Marvis attributes his success to hard work. “If I could go back, I would tell myself to open the restaurant 15 years earlier,” he shared. His most memorable experience was breaking ground for the restaurant, a testament to the hard work and dedication required to bring his dream to life.
As the sun sets over Antigua, Cree’s Crazy Citchen stands as a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean. It’s a place where every meal tells a story, and every customer leaves with a taste of the chef’s journey. If you would like to support Chef Brade’s journey as one of Antigua’s most inspiring and innovative culinary creatives, find his many delectable offerings here on KariBites.