Meet Storyteller & Media Guru, Vanessa James
Meet Storyteller & Media Guru, Vanessa James
We cover her Caribbean beat, comfort foods & Miami must-eats
In my attempt to choose one word to describe this week’s newsletter spotlight, quite a few came to mind — empowering, assertive, poised, engaging, a force.
Vanessa James introduced herself over cocktails in the Cayman Islands; she approached with a smile that lit up the evening and an unabashed confidence. Drinks turned to dinner and by the end of the night, this confidence had rubbed off on me as she discussed the importance of humility in the industry but also self-assurance. What I first was slightly intimidated by, had turned into admiration and motivation. I’d never met someone so assertive yet empowering at the same time. She believes in herself but also in others — a true lady who extends a hand rather than pulls up the ladder after smashing the glass ceiling.
Just take a look at her Instagram for a sense of her radiant personality and all-encompassing media business; her title as founder of VJ Media has Vanessa wearing many hats as a storyteller, tv host and producer. Not to mention her role as a global voiceover actor for projects under networks like The CW, Netflix, and ABC.
On the event side, Vanessa and her partner, Marcos, founded the Food, Wine & Fete festival in Miami in 2023; they just celebrated their second annual event in May with 850 guests in attendance. “It’s a festival aimed at amplifying Caribbean voices in music, gastronomy and the culinary creatives who are changing the face of food,” she explains about the region that she feels most drawn to, hence is an important beat in her editorial-facing stories.
And yet, she still made time to chat about all things food, wine and travel with us this week. Below, learn more about Vanessa James, who after penning this introduction, I think I’ll choose the singular way to describe her as a force.
When did you first know you wanted to get into media?
I was fascinated with the art of storytelling from a very young age. From watching mentors like Robin Roberts in college and diving into radio and editorial work at my local newspapers to on-camera work in my early 20s, I always knew that media was going to be a huge part of my professional journey. It wasn't until I launched my company Vanessa James Media in 2010, that I realized I could have the flexibility to use my foundation in media, and focus on my passions for travel and connecting people through my interviews and stories that I pivoted my career focus.
There's something really special about sparking conversation with a new found friend over jerk chicken in Mobay, Jamaica or chatting with a local bartender over a cold ‘painkiller’ cocktail in the BVI or enjoying a fabulous rum cocktail in Barbados in one of the oldest distilleries in the world, then sharing their stories in print with the world. Caribbean storytelling brings me true joy!
What's a destination you think every foodie should go to at least once? What are 3 things they have to try there?
Trinidad is by far one of the most delicious places on the planet to eat, and I say this not just as a daughter of the soil, but a diehard fan of the flavorful dishes. Eating your way through Port of Spain, which is a melting pot of cultures on its own, you can easily be transported to various ports around the world where the island's culinary influence is derived from. In one weekend you can sample and savor classic street food like:
A “doubles,'' which essentially is a medley of two fried barra (fried flatbreads) and chickpeas with an array of toppings
Bake and Shark, which by many accounts rivals the many fish cutters of the region
A classic Sunday Pelau: a play on rice and peas infused with coconut milk, salted beef, chicken and a medley of veggies.
These three dishes showcase the diversity and layered tapestry of the twin island republic and how their flavors are woven together so beautifully.
What's your number one tip for travelers looking to try as much food as possible in a destination?
Just like planning for travel in advance, plan for your culinary adventures in advance too. Research where you can get local and authentic dishes, where the local restaurants are that everyone goes to and also research the local culinary creatives and food bloggers that can help guide you on your experience through that destination.
Do you have any chefs you look up to?
So many. Definitely Chef Digby Stridiron. I had the pleasure of meeting him on a press trip a few years ago in St. Croix and experienced his farm-to-table style of cooking with a Caribbean twist, which was so authentically refreshing and still one of the best meals I've had to date.
Chef JJ has been one of my favorite chefs to watch as of late and after tasting his play on Roti and curried lamb I can see why.
It’s impossible to talk about inspirational chefs without mentioning José Andrés. His global impact with World Central Kitchen can be felt in every corner of the world and that should be admired and duplicated 1000 times over.
How do you use your platform to make travel as well as F&B more inclusive and accessible?
I recently launched a digital series called 60 seconds of flavorful conversation with Vanessa James, where I interview chefs, culinary creatives, and local foodies. It's awesome to see how a small idea like that content wise has taken off and been so interactive where people are using some of those very recommendations for their own trips and experiences. Inclusivity starts with us, the creatives, curating spaces and moments for people to want to be a part of and share.
I know this is a question you usually ask your subjects, so let me flip the script — what is a food that tastes like home?
Without a doubt, my mom's dhalpuri roti, curried chicken, and pumpkin with curry mango. It’s a tribute to my Indian heritage and my absolute favorite dish. She makes it probably once every quarter and I literally cancel plans and drive home just to eat it. It's that delicious.
Is there a trend in travel or food and beverage you're currently watching develop? If so, what is it and what do you think is propelling it forward?
Definitely a trend that I’m proud to be a part of is the elevation of Caribbean chefs and culinary creatives in food. I think for a long time Caribbean food has just been associated with a relaxed beachside fare.
It’s exciting to finally see Caribbean food being celebrated and rivaled as some of the best in the world and being paired with renowned wines, whiskeys, rums and cocktails. It's time for us to expand our palates collectively on what is considered elevated, refined cuisine. It's a collective effort for all of us to share in this culinary journey and it's refreshing to finally see more inclusivity in food.
Where do you call home and what are some of your favorite spots to frequent when you're not traveling?
Miami is home, but of course based on this Q&A, your readers can tell that the Caribbean is incredibly close to my heart. When I'm not traveling, I definitely like to pull up and enjoy my favorite restaurants in the 205 for the food, hospitality and the vibes and energy of the spaces.
If you're looking for a great French restaurant, I highly recommend Semilla by Chef Frederic Joulin in Miami Beach. The mussels, tuna tartar and chef’s spin on bone marrow with a baguette is divine.
Phuc Yeah in Midtown is a fabulous option if you’re in the mood for bold cocktails, comfort noodles, pho or bao buns. Chef Cesar and Ani have made a name for themselves here in Miami for consistent good vibes and insatiable eats.
For date nights or get togethers with friends, Hutong is an absolute go-to for a chic night out in Brickell where it's all about Dim Sum, Peking duck and lychee martinis.
If you’re feeling for a classic hot honey chicken sandwich on the go, Chef Troy Tingling's recently opened Soulfly Chicken in Wynwood is clutch! Pro-tip: leave room for the mac and cheese and banana pudding for dessert then thank me later.
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