Interview with Cindy Hutson, Chef/Owner of Ortanique

Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile and Grand Cayman is famous for her “Cuisine of the Sun” where she utilizes tropical flavors and seasonings in an innovative style. Chef Hutson blends and coordinates flavors from opposite ends of the flavor spectrum ultimately resulting in harmony on a plate. As delightful as her cuisine is, so is her charming spot on Miracle Mile in Coral Gables; eclectic, warm and inviting. Ortanique radiates the sun. Let’s chat with the woman who has brought us sunshine on a plate. Cindy Hutson, this week’s Chef in the Spotlight.

Cindy Hutson

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: Where do you get your culinary inspiration?
Cindy Hutson: Travel, Books and net working with my chef buddies

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: When did you realize that cooking was your passion?
Cindy Hutson: From very early on ,maybe 9…Mom hated cooking and I loved eating

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: What is your favorite item on your menu?
Cindy Hutson: Currently, Breadfruit Fish Tacos with Blackbean Coulis and Heirloom TomatoSalsa….nice and light for the summer and very different made with breadfruit.

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: What is your favorite dish to make at home?
Cindy Hutson: Big thick Certified Angus Beef Ribeyes and herbed scotch bonnet Lobster Tails grilledto perfection

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: It’s your last day on earth, what would your final mealbe?
Cindy Hutson: A thin crust porcini and spinach pizza from Tuscany, paired with a great bottleof wine and my best friends

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: Who is the one person you would love to cook with andwhy?
Cindy Hutson: Norma Shirley, she was a fantastic Caribbean Chef and food stylist…and I missher laughter

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: What is your one guilty pleasure food?
Cindy Hutson: Warm chocolate chip cookies that are buttery and crispy on the outside andchewy on the inside, dipped in a cold glass of milk.

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: What was the last restaurant you ate at?
Cindy Hutson: Last Night at my friend, Dean Max’s” Brasserie”, Grand Cayman Island…It was yummy Dean

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: Who would you most like to cook for? And why?
Cindy Hutson: My family and relatives outside on a perfect weather day .Why, because itsalways a laugh.

SouthFlorida Food and Wine: It’s your day off, what do you do for fun?
Cindy Hutson: It depends where I am…go to the beach, swim , paddle board,invite friendsover , try other restaurants.

Ortanique onthe Mile and Ortanique Camana Bay

278 MiracleMile , Coral Gables, Florida 33156

47 ForumLane, Camana Bay, Box 417, Grand Cayman KYI-9006

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Interviews