This week’s Chef Chat features Ralston Francis, a native of Jamaica and now co-owner and chef at the Edgartown Dinner.
Ralston came to the Vineyard in 2012 and took over the Edgartown Diner in 2016. He started his storied culinary schooling in Jamaica and finished at Southern New Hampshire University. Ralston completed his required culinary internship at Briza Restaurant, a fine dining establishment in Atlanta, Georgia. Ralston likes to experiment with food. He is constantly mixing tastes and textures to create unique dishes using the freshest available ingredients. Ralston says he envisions new dishes all the time and cannot wait to bring them to life.
Ralston is engaged to be married to the diner’s co-owner, Mavis Hutchinson. Theses lovely life partners make a delicious pair.
This Week on MV: What brought you to Martha’s Vineyard?
Ralston: In short, love. My finance mother’s, Esther, who works with us, lives on the island.
This Week on MV: What inspires you?
Ralston: I do watch the Food Channel. But I must admit, I play with food. I imagine things in my mind, produce them, bring all the ingredients together, and it somehow works.
This Week on MV: Favorite dish to make?
Ralston: Wow, there are too many to pick just one. Let’s just say I truly enjoy everything I make.
This Week on MV: Favorite food to eat?
Ralston: Chicken, any way, any how and any time of the day.
This Week on MV: If you could cook for and dine with anyone, who would that be?
Ralston: The answer to both is the Obamas. Mr. Here is a direct message for the family: Mr. Ex-President Sir, if you are reading this, next time you are on the island please come in and ask for me.
This Week on MV: What do you like most about your job?
Ralston: What I do is creative, fast-paced and interesting. Also, I like being my own boss.
This Week on MV: Most of us have heard some salty conversations coming from restaurant kitchens. How do you vent?
Ralston: I ramble on and on in my native tongue of Jamaican. Hopefully no one can understand what I am uttering.
This Week on MV: If you weren’t a chef what would you be and why?
Ralston: A lawyer, really, and I plead the fifth.
MORE INFORMATION
65 Main St
Edgartown
(508) 627-9337
edgartowndinermv.com
