Our Story
Founded on the warmth, vibrant rhythm, and soulful spices of Jamaica, The Art of Catering represents Chef Selwyn Richards' lifelong commitment to elevating Caribbean cuisine.
From Kingston to the World Stage
Selwyn Richards, born and raised in Jamaica, has been planning and cooking delicious food with an artistic flare for over 25 years. He studied Culinary Management at George Brown College in Toronto and started his culinary career as a Kitchen Manager with Culture's Food Service. Chef Richards worked in a variety of prestigious establishments in and around Toronto including the Skyline Hotel, The Island Yacht Club, the CN Tower as a Sous Chef, The Earl Of Whitchurch-Stouffville, and played a crucial role in the opening of the SkyDome where he managed his own department as Head Chef.
Recognition & Corporate Partnerships
In January 2014 Chef Richards was featured at Marché Toronto at the Spirit and Spice Festival. Selwyn appeared on the Celebrity Chef Stage at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in 2013 and 2014, an honor reserved for the world's finest chefs. He was enlisted by Grace Kennedy (Ontario) to collaborate with the Dean of Hospitality at Centennial College for their 25th anniversary celebration in Ontario, presenting dishes with culinary students and teachers for more than 600 guests — one of the most successful culinary events in Grace Kennedy's history. Since then Chef Richards has served as the corporate Chef for the company.
The Art of Catering
Selwyn's broad experience in hospitality and food services, combined with a talent for restaurant excellence, led him to own and manage his own upscale Caribbean restaurant, Pepperpot Café, for many years. He is currently CEO of The Art of Catering, which he operates with his brothers Lennox and Travis. The company is sought after across the Caribbean, North America and Europe, and has been featured in numerous newspapers and magazines. Selwyn has appeared on City TV's 'Breakfast Television,' CTV Canada AM, CBC TV, and Global News, and was the premier Chef for the Jamaican 50th celebrations in Canada. At the 1987 Food & Wine Show (sponsored by the Escoffier Society of Toronto), he was awarded two silver medals and a bronze medal for showcasing excellence in the culinary arts.
Community & Public Service
An avid community builder, Selwyn participates in non-profit events, school functions and public speaking engagements, including a Career Day presentation at the Linden Girls School in Toronto in March 2013, support of the Career Fair at Pickering High School, and providing a monthly Sunday Brunch to Joy Divine Praise Church's Friendship Café, open to the public. In September 2013, Richards teamed up with United Way of Peel Region as one of two master chefs for a Guinness World Record event for the largest number of people making soup at one time — over 700 volunteers produced more than 1,600 litres of soup, later donated as Stone Soup to shelters across the Peel Region.
Author & Media Presence
Chef Richards is also an author. His book, The Art of Cooking – Soul of the Caribbean, chronicles his culinary career and features the food of the Caribbean, with a foreword by Justice Michael H. Tulloch. He also writes an electronic newsletter, 'The Catering Bite,' read by over 5,000 people worldwide since March 2010. As a diabetic, he takes great care to offer healthier food options that promote physical wellbeing. Selwyn and The Art of Catering have appeared on TV shows including I Do… Let's Eat! (Food Network), Rich Bride, Poor Bride (Life Network) and Soul Food (BET Network/Showtime), with interviews on G98.7 FM, Irie FM Jamaica, CIUT 89.5 FM, AM 640, CHRY 105.5 FM, the Jamaica Diaspora Radio Show, and WBLK 93.7 FM. He has contributed to publications including Planet Africa magazine, Wisdom, Pride, Extra, and Share newspaper.
Film & Television Food Styling
Selwyn has contributed his food styling expertise to numerous film and TV productions in recent years, including Alphas, American Pie 5: The Naked Mile, Copper, Horizon, Take This Waltz, Cheaper By The Dozen 2, Covert Affairs, Nikita, The Bridge, Breakout Kings, Defiance, Poe, The Strain, Carrie, Home Again, Suits, and Unnatural History, among others.
The Standards Behind Every Plate
We source farm-fresh Ontario produce and authentic Caribbean spices, ensuring every ingredient meets the highest gastronomic standard.
Decades of classical training applied to heritage island recipes, producing harmonious spice profiles and refined culinary aesthetics.
Every event is served with the gracious warmth, attentive care, and generous spirit that defines true Caribbean culture.