Читать книгу Levi Roots’ Reggae Reggae Cookbook - Levi Roots - Страница 5

I have been asked to write this foreword for a man who in less than one year went from budding entrepreneur to household name – a man who goes by the name of Levi Roots. Well, that’s what he said his name was when he appeared in front of me on the TV show ‘Dragons’ Den’. It was only after a few questions that Levi revealed that his real name was Keith Graham. I thought he’d got the wrong studio and had arrived to take part in some kind of audition for a music show! No-one had ever come into the Den before with a guitar and dreadlocks and so much confidence. Anything less like a stereotypical ‘businessman’ would be hard to imagine. But it wasn’t just his name that got my attention and it wasn’t just his pitch, the way he looked or his product, it was all of those things and more.

That day was the day I met a great man with a dream. A year and a bit on, after choosing to back this incredible man, I remember the hours, days, perhaps even weeks both my team and I have spent working with him as some of the most enjoyable and exciting times of 2007.

Anyone wanting to start out on that long road to business success would be better for knowing Levi’s inspiring and passionate journey. Dreams can become reality with the right mindset. One of the reasons for Levi’s popularity and for his success is his passion for life, unbounding energy and enthusiasm for everything he does. He has a ‘keep on keeping on’ attitude which has meant that despite all of the challenges he has faced, which he discusses in this book, he has never given up.

I am positive you are going to enjoy reading this book. It will bring you even closer to a man I have been pleased to help and who I am even more pleased to call my friend. Levi Roots has firmly established himself as the face of Caribbean food in the UK, a dream that he has nurtured throughout his whole life. I’ve often said that business is the new rock n’ roll, and if so then Levi Roots is Elvis Presley!

But this book is not about business. It’s an education in the fun, flavour, music and vibrancy of a Caribbean culture that we in the UK don’t know that much about. I certainly hadn’t tried jerk chicken, until my first Reggae Reggae experience, and now I’m hooked! I hope you enjoy relaxing, trying out the recipes with your friends and family, and putting some music in your food! Dreams do certainly come true and Levi, it has been an honour to be part of yours.