Local Treasure: Chef Trevor Remy

by Tara Reynolds Bales

Have you ever wanted to hire a private chef to prepare a delicious meal that leaves you wanting more? Call Trevor Remy. In November I was planning a dinner party for Ohio Northern Law students. I was looking for less traditional meal ideas and on the recommendation of Pat Johnson of Squire Lane, I reached out to Trevor. I explained I wanted a very special meal for the students. When we met to discuss details, I found he was passionate about his family heritage and food. Trevor, like his mother, was born and raised in Lima, but his father is from the West Indies nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Trevor explained that he grew up in a family of amazing cooks. “My American side and West Indian side were always cooking something. We would host dinner parties for each other and others in our community. I grew up in Greenfield Heights where everyone contributed and fed everyone.”

Trevor went on to tell stories of his cousins being his first “clients.”

“When babysitting the younger cousins, my mother trusted me to finish a meal or make something for everyone.”

With love in his eyes and passion in his voice, Trevor described his most beloved dishes from his childhood. His soulful depictions included curry chicken, Trinidad Pelau Chicken with Pigeon peas, Trinidad Corn soup, and beef roti. I asked him to make a few of these dishes for my party. With a nod and big smile, he promised to do just that. He said he would take my guests to the West Indies through his food. And that he did. The day of my party he arrived with loads of fresh vegetables, spices, herbs, and other secret ingredients. The succulent aroma soon permeated the house.

I could not stay away. I had to know more about Trevor. I peppered Trevor with questions as he prepped. Not once did I see him use a measuring cup or spoon – he just feels it. Trevor indulged my curiosity. I asked if he could confirm the rumors that he has cooked for the Rolling Stones, and Five Finger Death Punch. Flashing a sheepish smile, he nodded yes. I couldn’t believe it. The man who has had the honor of cooking for Mick Jagger is in MY kitchen! Trevor is very humble so it took me a little bit to get him to tell his story.

He explained that previously he was part of a team called The Mediatwist Group that produced Monster Jam Truck shows. At a show in Kanas City, Zoltan Bathroy of Five Finger

Death Punch was driving a truck named The Knucklehead Monster.

Trevor learned that Zoltan and his girlfriend could not go out to eat in the area because they are strict vegans and food options were nil.

Trevor had never shared his West Indian cooking abilities with the group so they had no idea that he could prepare amazing vegan food. Trevor pointed out to me that West Indian food was originally vegetarian and vegan. His long-time friend was with him and said to Trevor, “Brah do it. Do your thing.” So they went to a Family Dollar and bought a $15 grill and he prepared a vegan spread for the couple and a non-veg meal for everyone else. Zoltan was so impressed that he made Trevor his personal chef and Chief of Catering for the band’s 2016 tour. Word spread and other musicians requested Trevor to prepare meals during their national tours.

After listening to Trevor, I was more excited for dinner. As Trevor explained each course to my guests, I noticed three women prayerfully holding hands. They smiled and were giddy as Trevor talked about his dishes. I later learned these women were from, respectively, Ghana, Haiti, and Jamaica. They said Trevor’s food was like being home again. They had not eaten “home” food in years. They ladies went on to tell stories of their grandmas and aunties preparing similar food. They thanked Trevor for bringing them home. At the end of the night, I asked him what are his must haves while in the kitchen. He said, “God, a cast iron pot, and Trinidad seasoning.” He must have had all three with him that night because he prepared a well-seasoned, heavenly meal for my guests.

Trevor sees himself as a food afficionado with dreams of being a personal or private chef. If you would like to move like Jagger and have the chef to the stars prepare flavorful, mouthwatering food for you and your guests, reach out to Trevor Remy. Your tastebuds will thank you.