By Annette Pinder

Chef Darian Bryan is quickly becoming a local and national legend. I spoke with him at Bratts Hill Restaurant in Larkinville, named for the hill Clarendon Parish, Jamaica where he lived among his 23 family members — his mom, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In Jamaica, Darian loved playing cricket and soccer and viewed helping his mom at her Cook Shop as a chore. Soon, he began to love cooking, was the only man at the market on Saturdays, and told his mom he wanted to become a chef.

Given the opportunity to come to the United States, Darian chose Buffalo. “Wanting something different, I envisioned building a snowman, and trying winter sports. Buffalo has been good to me.” Darian was excited to land his first cooking job at Denny’s, where he became a manager, certified trainer, and attended management meetings. “I learned to manage a restaurant, train staff, see vegetables I’d never seen before. It was a great experience.”

In keeping with his dream, Darian enrolled in Erie Community College’s Culinary program. Looking back, he says, “It was so hard. I couldn’t speak English, afford the right tools, I bright-colored Jamaican clothing, and biked to school, even in snow. People whispered, calling me ‘gay’ and didn’t want to be in same group with me. But Chef Jackie Bamrick saw my potential, gave me a book that cost more than $200, and told me to go home and study. I’d get to school early and stay late to watch my instructors. I’d never heard of Italian or Asian cuisine, and only knew Jamaican cooking. I had to work twice as hard to get to the top.” Darian did succeed, and eventually became the program’s Executive Chef. It was also where he met his wife, Jessica. “She came in one day for brunch, texted me later, and the rest is history.” The couple has a daughter who is 5 and a son who is 7.

While at ECC, Darian began filling in as a sous chef at Hutch’s in Buffalo, and later at Prima Café in Hamburg. “Soon people began hearing about me. Former Bills player Vontae Davis asked me to be his personal chef. After Vonte he posted his meals on Instagram, I began meeting all of the players. When Stefon Diggs moved to Buffalo, he asked me to be his chef. Josh and all of the guys started coming for dinner, and I ended up having to hire a team of chefs for the entire season.”

Prior to the COVID pandemic, Darian became General Manager and Chef for Fisher Price. “It was a great job because my hours were 7 am to 2 pm. With restaurants shut down during COVID, I’d go to people’s homes and cook for them. I was also meal prepping for 12 football players using Broadway Market’s kitchen.” Eventually, after creating videos of the food he prepared, more companies began seeking him out.

Still, Darian wanted to start his own venture. Living in an apartment on top of the Larkin Building, he thought, “I have to build this.” And he did. Larkin is now home to Bratts Hill, the Jamaican Market, the Plating Society Boutique, a chef’s table style restaurant, and the Cook Shop. Mindful of giving back to the community who gave so much to him, his new Chef Darian Foundation supports fundraising events, food-focused educational initiatives, emergency food assistance, and grants for prospective culinary professionals.

Most importantly, Darian is devoted to his wife and children. “I didn’t have a dad. I love my kids endlessly. I’m a very affectionate person. I love them up, kiss them up, they’re my babies and my priority.” Health is also a priority. Darian works out four times a week, eats clean and healthy, and loves taking family trips.

Chef Darian is truly a star. He’s been featured on CBS This Morning and the Dish, and in a national Dodge Ram commercial (his favorite truck). He was also offered his own TV show in California, but chose to remain in Buffalo with his mom and sisters who now work at his restaurants and shop, while Jessica manages the business. He is grateful to his amazing staff, mentors Chef Krista Van Wagner and Chef Jackie Bamrick, and to the Zemsky family for supporting his vision.

My Bratt’s Hill experience was extraordinary. I also loved meeting Bratts Hill Executive Chef Chris (also from Jamaica), and Bar Manager John Scott. Learn more at brattshill.com and chefdarianbryan.com and make a reservation for a dining experience unlike any other. Trust me!