Dive into the flavors of Haitian cuisine with Chef Thia through a series of online classes, accessible to all Haitian cuisine enthusiasts.
The Embassy of Haiti is delighted to present Manje Lakay, a series of online cooking classes led by the talented Chef Cynthia Verna, known as Chef Thia. This culinary program invites you to explore the heart of Haitian gastronomy and learn to prepare authentic dishes in your own kitchen.
About the Course: Starting December 29, join Chef Thia once a month for 12 months for an immersive and friendly experience centered around Haitian cuisine. Each session will introduce you to traditional recipes and cooking tips to recreate the unique flavors of Haiti.
Course Details
- Start Date: December 29
- Frequency: Once a month, for 12 months
- Duration of Each Class: Approximately 1 hour
- Location: Online, via Zoom
- Cost: Free
How to Participate?
- Click HERE to fill in the online registration form or contact us via mail : eohevents@gmail.com.
- You’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and the ingredient list for the session.
Biography
Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna is a Haitian-born force of nature whose culinary artistry and unstoppable spirit have made her a groundbreaking figure in the world of Caribbean and Haitian cuisine. Known for a smile that radiates warmth and a personality that commands attention, Chef Thia combines passion, resilience, and soul to craft flavors that transcend borders.
Her journey into the world of fine dining began in Haiti, where she first honed her skills at the age of 17, working in her mother’s restaurant. This early experience planted the seeds for her culinary vision, which would later flourish into her own restaurant, Atelier Les Bamboos. Under the mentorship of renowned Haitian chef Reginald Koury, Chef Thia’s culinary talent began to blossom, and she went on to work at prestigious establishments like Club Med before venturing to the United States.
As a graduate cum laude from Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute in Miami, Chef Thia’s mastery of the culinary arts was sharpened to perfection. She then went on to work at two Ritz-Carlton franchises and has earned global recognition as a culinary ambassador, representing Haiti at cultural events across the world—from Italy to Taiwan, where she shared the depth and beauty of Haitian cuisine with over 80 students at Taiwan’s most prestigious university.
At the heart of Chef Thia’s career lies a rich lineage steeped in Haitian history and pride. Her great-great-great-grandfather, Pierre Nicholas Malet, known as Bon Blan, signed Haiti’s historic Act of Independence in 1804, cementing his place in the country’s legacy of freedom. Her great-uncle, Albert Mangonès, played a key role in the creation of the Neg Marron statue, a symbol of the Haitian people’s fight for liberty. Her great-aunt, historian Odette Roy Fombrun, lived to 105, leaving behind a profound impact on Haiti’s cultural heritage. Her mother, Denise Mangonès, has been an unwavering source of strength and inspiration, grounding Chef Thia in the values of perseverance, community, and cultural pride.
Chef Thia’s accomplishments have been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2017, she made history as the first woman to win the People’s Choice Award at the Embassy Chef Challenge in Washington, D.C., where she represented Haiti and triumphed over chefs from 30 nations. North Miami honored her achievements by declaring November 18, 2017, Cynthia Verna Day in recognition of her contributions to the culinary world.
Her media presence skyrocketed with her debut as co-host of the Caribbean cooking series Taste the Islands, which premiered nationwide in 2017. Through this platform, Chef Thia shared her culinary passion with the world and co-authored 50 Favorite Haitian Recipes, a bestselling cookbook that became a sensation in Amazon’s Caribbean section.
Chef Thia’s influence extends far beyond television. She’s appeared on No Passport Required with Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Can’t Cook with Ludacris on the Food Network, showcasing Haitian cuisine to a global audience. She also founded her own spice line, bringing the authentic flavors of Haiti to kitchens everywhere. Her second cookbook, published by Florida Press, is available in bookstores nationwide, while her third, a deeply personal memoir about surviving sexual assault, is a raw and powerful testament to resilience and healing.
As a mentor, speaker, and public figure, Chef Thia’s mission is to inspire others through the lessons she’s learned from life and the kitchen. She is an advocate for mental health, spiritual growth, and empowering others to rise above adversity. A proud mother of three, Chef Thia’s life and work are a celebration of the unbreakable strength of the Haitian spirit—rooted in heritage, driven by passion, and destined to leave a lasting mark on the world.