“We have the best teachers and a terrific dean. We’ve outgrown the competition.”
As the executive chef at Downtown Caribbean Eats, Kimani Hines brings the flavors of his Jamaican roots to this popular Newark, NJ restaurant. Chef Kimani honed his cooking schools at Monroe, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in culinary arts. He was also a member of the Monroe culinary and soccer teams.
While in school, Kimani had the experience of a lifetime by becoming one of the few culinary students who got a chance to study cooking in the school’s eight-week study abroad program in Italy, which included stops in Rome and Parma.
Chef Kimani always wanted to work in the kitchen and felt even more strongly after experiencing Dean Constantino's style and flair. “It’s the best program in the country,” Chef Kimani boasted. “We have excellent teachers and a terrific dean. We’ve outgrown the competition.”
Asked what the Monroe difference is, Chef Kimani explained: “It's the hands-on experience you get at Monroe. They put you in the center and let you know you have places to go.”
