While staying at The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse, I had the opportunity to sit down with Jerome, a native to San Juan and chef at The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse who found his way to vegan and vegetarian cooking through the Rastafarian movement in Puerto Rico, and talk to him about conscious cooking so that I could share is experience and words of wisdom with the LFB community. Keep scrolling to check out the interview below:

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Chef Jerome: I am Puerto Rican, born and raised here in San Juan. I have always been near the beach and music – reggae music mostly. I have also always been an adventurer. I got into vegan and vegetarian food mainly through being part of the Rastafarian movement – I am a musician as well and play reggae music.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

Rastas are mostly natural and vegan, so that was one of the main things that influenced me toward this lifestyle. My passion for music, surfing, skateboarding – all of this complements what I do in the kitchen. My background was actually more that of a musician than a chef but somehow it ended up all coming together and music somehow brought me to experience real, tasty Caribbean and Jamaican vegan food that really expanded my knowledge about the vegan lifestyle and cuisine.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

In 2005, I started selling fruit shakes at a place that played reggae music every Saturday. I then saw that I had a talent for food and that there was also a market for conscious eating. After that, I started cooking at activities, festivals, did catering, sold food around the island in baskets, and worked as a private chef. I then I had a food truck, which I was working at a year ago.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB:How did you end up at The Dreamcatcher?

Chef Jerome: When I closed my food truck, the previous chef who was a friend of mine and worked at The Dreamcatcher needed help and brought me here.

LFB: And do you enjoy working here?

Chef Jerome: Yes, it is a privilege and an incredible experience!

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB: What excites you the most about cooking vegan and vegetarian food?

Chef Jerome: Okay so let’s start with the beginning. I mainly got into this lifestyle when I changed my perception and became more aware and conscious about the environment and the sad reality of how food is treated and how we get fed.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

Part of what excites me about vegan food is that I am really cooking something that I would eat myself. I don’t really cook anything that I myself would not eat because more than just the presentation of the food itself is the passion to cook food that heals you, gives you the medicine and the nutrients that you need, and makes you feel good physically but also makes you feel good emotionally and leaves you with a clean conscience.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

So I think it’s a part of the whole idea of living more clean and conscious. It is really a plate of food that is the root of how we want to be and how we want to feel. So if you want to treat yourself nicely, you have to cook nice, fresh, and healthy food.

It is all about bringing the physical, mental, and spiritual together.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB: Definitely! And for you is it more of an environmental and spiritual thing, or is there also an aspect of animal rights that is behind your choice to cook vegan and vegetarian food?

Chef Jerome: It’s all the aspects combined. I did not become a vegetarian just for one reason, but for a sense of wholeness – to be connected with creation and life in all aspects. It’s a balance because everything is connected. You cannot just want to eat healthy for health reasons and ignore being mindful and respectful of all living things.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

But I am also conscious that everyone has different needs – what may be food for some people may not be food for others. I respect that. There are people that eat animals, and they have their reasons, there are fisherman whose livelihood depend on their profession, so I cannot say that eating fish is bad but it comes down to your intentions and the way you source what you eat, whether it is an animal product or grown. So for me it’s the intention and the origin of that food that is the most important – whether it is an animal product or not.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB: Yes, the vegetarian and the vegan movement is a great thing, but sometimes people loose sight of why they are doing it and you get people that can become very judgemental of others and their choices, so I think one of the really important things to remember if you are a vegan or vegetarian is that we all have different circumstances. I would also like to know your opinion on cost: with healthy eating it is a privilege to have the wealth to afford both the food itself and the time to create it. There are many people who cannot afford this privileged lifestyle. What do you think about that?

Chef Jerome: It is a privilege, and it does sadly look like this kind of healthy lifestyle is easier to access when you are in a wealthier position, but at the same time you do not have to be rich in money to get what you need, because the earth gives you what you need.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

If you want to eat healthy, the earth is there for free to give back to you – it you treat it with love it will give you back what you need in return. But still, it is as privilege to have the right to choose local, healthy food. But I think it should be a right for every nation to demand real, fresh, local, and organic produce.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

We also forget to be mindful sometimes, and just want to eat whatever we want to eat because it is accessible to us in a store, but there is nothing more that your body will love than food that is both local and in season. You do not have to be rich and wealthy to get this food – you can grow your own food and have the best quality food that you can have.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB: So would you suggest those who cannot afford expensive organic food from supermarkets to grow their own in their gardens?

Chef Jerome: Yes, that should be the idea. Everyone should have their own garden in their house even if it is a small plant of tomatoes or a big tree of fruit. This will make a change in you and your family. The earth also tends to can give you so much than you yourself need, so you can share this food with others, which is a beautiful thing.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

LFB: Thank you so much, Jerome! In closing, is there anything else that you would like to add?

Chef Jerome: I try to bring my soul to the food because that is what creates a real experience. Food is not just about cooking fresh but about bringing flavors and ingredients together. It is a manifestation of life itself. You have to be grateful for and open to the process of preparing and cooking food and the fact that you are getting the opportunity to eat healthy food.

The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico - conscious cooking - photography: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher

So there you have it! I really hope you enjoyed my interview with Jerome! If you would like to follow Jerome on social media, be sure to give him a follow on his instagram account, chefjeromepr and feel free to keep up with The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse on their official instagram account as well for more photos of delicious food and their stunning Guesthouse.

photography by: Rae Tashman for The Dreamcatcher Guesthouse in Puerto Rico


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Stay conscious, Rae

Rae Tilly

Rae the EIC of LFB and YEOJA Magazine. She is also a photographer and social media influencer.

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  • I’ve been interested about vegan food & lifestyle for quite a long time, and Jerome’s looks so yummy and healthy!
    This was such a great post to read even though I’m not a vegan (but I’m a foodie!)
    xx

    Kaylee | JK’s Dawn

  • It looks very yummy! Vegan food can be great!

    Kinkx

  • Michèle

    oh that looks really really good!
    http://www.thefashionfraction.com

  • Kay (shoesandglitter)

    Aww this was such a lovely interview, thank you for sharing! I’ve been debating going vegan a few times, but could never stick to it. My boyfriend is a vegetarian, though, and his attitude has really rubbed off on me throghout the years (he’s never been pushy or judgmental though which is something I truly respect)! x x I do think that a sustainable vegan diet would be a lot more expensive/difficult to maintain than a typical meaty diet. Not everyone can start growing their own garden… But I do appreciate the sentimentality behind it – it’s really beautiful and inspiring! <3

    Kay
    http://shoesandglitter.com

  • Loved the interview Rae, very inspiring! I’m not sure if I could ever commit to being a vegan. I know my bf would never join me so it would make cooking at home harder!
    Have a lovely weekend ahead Rae!
    http://theavantguardian.com/

  • Rasa Virviciute

    Loved this post!

    Have a great weekend! xx

    http://www.aimeroseblog.com

  • Really enjoyed this interview! Love Chef Jerome’s philosophy on food. Beautiful photography! :)
    ♥NY

    Yours Truly, NY | INSTAGRAM

  • Violette

    So cool to meet good Chef through an interview! Everything looks so good! x

    http://violettedaily.com

  • Such a wonderful interview! It definitely gave me more insights on how important and delicious vegan food can be. :)

    http://www.kathrineeldridge.com

  • It looks absolutely delicious! And it’s amazing to have the chance to interview a good Chef! I loved this post <3

    xx Sindi | http://www.karvain.com

  • Monique | WritingMonique

    I loved this interview! The food looks absolutely delicious!
    WritingMonique

  • I remember the post you did on The Dreamcatcher a few posts back and I loved the photography and idea of it. You’ve captured some amazing photos here, Rae, and the interview was done so well. I’m pretty smitten with the fact that Jerome has a music background! As a musician myself, I often wonder how I’d end up because it’s sort of the norm for musicians to end up on interesting paths in life, haha. The idea of growing one’s own organic garden is also something that caught my attention. I can’t afford the vegan/organic lifestyle as of now but don’t know why I’ve never though of going classic DIY. That’s something I’ll definitely keep in mind and bring forward.

    Thank you for such a love interview, Rae!

    May | THE MAYDEN | bloglovin’

  • Danielle

    This look so delicious! Your pictures are gorgeous and stunning and capture so much energy and life! Have an amazing weekend!

    Danielle

    http://www.blushblossom.com

  • I loved hearing Jerome’s perspective. Great interview! & loved the photos as well. ;)

    Christina
    http://www.cityloveee.com

  • I love this interview! Jerome sounds very passionate and the food looks absolutely delicious :)

    http://shijakibanida.blogspot.com/

  • Carina Vardie

    Wonderful interview! Loved reading his thoughts and the food looks delicious!

    xo
    http://thepinkporcelaindoll.blogspot.it

  • What an awesome guy! He definitely fits the motto of conscious living and life with intention. It’s amazing how many different mediums you can express yourself and your values through. Ahh, love this post so much. I love that it’s about so much more than food or cooking. -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s

  • The Beaute Blend

    Wow…really amazing guy! I love this interview and the thoughtful way in which he answered your questions. The pictures are beautiful!

  • Looks incredible and I love the photos. Great blog post girlie.

    XO, Jessi
    mywhiteT.com

  • I love how in your blog I never know what I’m going to find. He seems a really cool and nice person and this is a really original post!

    http://www.blossomikebana.com

  • really enjoy reading ur interview ^^ love the photos

    torichux3.blogspot.com

  • Sheila Sheilasophy

    Such an delicious dInner i love chef JeromeB4S Sheilasophy blog   

  • This was so interesting to read! I’m doing research into childhood obesity and how to encourage families to eat more fruit and vegetables so was very interested to hear his opinions on food cost and growing your own. I think the vegetarian/vegan lifestyle can be more affordable than people think, it just depends on how you think about it. I’m doing a vegan challenge at the moment and am living off lentils, cabbage, sweet potatoes and tofu! I’m actually really enjoying it because I’m adding herbs and spices to my food and eating lots more vegetables and it’s actually a lot cheaper than usual as dried lentils and beans are so cheap and vegetables aren’t too expensive, especially compared to meat costs (I just did my weekly shop for £15!). But I can understand that lots of people would recoil in horror at a diet of lentils and tofu haha! So yeah, some of the more “interesting” vegan options are more expensive and I guess it also depends on what people actually want to eat too xxx
    Lucy @ La Lingua | Travel, Food, Italy

  • Such a lovely interview! I definitely agree with Lucy (the user below me) and would like to say that vegan/vegetarian is a lot more cheaper – bulk vegetables are very affordable and herbs are also easily available. Tofu can be a little expensive, depending on where you purchase it from, but you can always use vegetables like mushrooms to add that ‘meaty’ taste to your meal or even use Quorn! Having tried to loosely follow a vegetarian diet for the past 2 years, I have learnt that a vegetarian/vegan diet can bring so many advantages to individuals and the environment around them. However, due to my specialist’s instructions, I’ve had to incorporate meat/chicken into my food – so people do have reasons as to why they cannot follow a full vegan/vegetarian diet.

    Pop over to my blog :)

    Sarah

    sarahinks.co.uk