"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food." - Hippocrates

Introduction:

In a world where food is as much about sustenance as it is about culture and identity, Elsy Dinvil stands out as a beacon of innovation and resilience. Her journey from the vibrant streets of Haiti to the bustling food scene in the Pacific Northwest is not just a tale of personal survival and success but a testament to the power of food as a bridge between cultures and a catalyst for health and healing. In this blog post, we delve into Elsy’s inspiring story, exploring how her roots have shaped her career, how she is revolutionizing Haitian cuisine with a healthful twist, her contributions as an author, and her ongoing academic pursuits.

Transforming Traditions: Elsy Dinvil’s Culinary Revolution from Haiti to Health

Early Life and Culinary Foundations:

Elsy’s culinary journey began in Jérémie, Haiti, where she was born and raised in a culture steeped in rich culinary traditions. From a young age, Elsy was immersed in the kitchen, often found by her mother's side, learning how to prepare traditional Haitian dishes. This early exposure to cooking was not just about food preparation; it was a family gathering, a celebration of heritage, and a transfer of generational knowledge. Her foundational experiences in Haiti laid the groundwork for her deep connection to Haitian cuisine and her eventual culinary innovations.

Credit: Elsy Dinvil - A young Elsy Dinvil back in Haiti.

Academic Pursuits and Health Challenges:

The turning point in Elsy’s life came when she moved to the United States on an academic scholarship at 18. She pursued Food Science Technology at Mt. Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, a field that allowed her to blend her passion for cooking with scientific principles; however, Elsy's academic journey was soon challenged by severe health issues, including major colon surgery. These health battles were pivotal, as they highlighted the direct impact of diet on well-being and steered her towards investigating healthier cooking methods.

Elsy Dinvil received an MBA - Creole MeUp Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmSUby7vi9J/

Creole Me Up™: A Culinary Enterprise:

In response to her health challenges and inspired by her desire to heal herself and others, Elsy founded Creole Me Up™ in 2018. This venture was born out of her commitment to adapting traditional Haitian recipes into healthier versions without sacrificing flavor. Creole Me Up™ offers a range of allergen-free, plant-based Haitian food products, including marinades, infused vinegars, and condiments. Each product is a blend of tradition and innovation, crafted to bring Haitian culinary delights to the health-conscious consumer.

Kichen Magazin (2023, April 13) KITCHEN TABLE #5: THE ROOTS ISSUE, pages 110/111. Food by Elsy Dinvil. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchentablemag/p/Cq_krghP50u/

Literary Contributions:

Elsy Dinvil is also an accomplished author. Her book, "WHEN A ZOMBIE TASTES SALT: The Story of a Girl Servant in Haiti," narrates the gripping tale of Erèz, a young girl from the countryside of Guinaudée in the Grand Anse department of Haiti. Set in 1935, Erèz dreams of becoming literate and an affluent Madan Sara –a female vendor– in the flea market. However, her aspirations are put on hold when her parents, unable to care for her, send her away as a restavèk –child servant– to a distant cousin in the City of Jérémie. The story unfolds amidst political tensions, class struggles, forbidden love, and societal scandals, highlighting Erèz’s resilience and unwavering hope to one day write her own story.

In "Cooking with My Mother," Elsy offers a cultural window into a middle-class Haitian family, countering taboos and misconceptions about Haiti. This book is a delightful blend of authentic Haitian recipes and vivid childhood stories, inviting readers to enjoy cooking from scratch and learn the most popular dishes in Haitian cuisine, all while becoming confident cooks.

Podcast Feature and Academic Pursuits:

Elsy Dinvil was a featured guest on our podcast, "The 1804 Renaissance," where she shared her current academic journey as a Ph.D. Candidate. She is planning to write her dissertation on sexual abuse, incorporating her own story and the stories of other women who have experienced such trauma. Elsy's dedication to addressing this critical issue highlights her commitment to advocacy and healing, extending her influence beyond the culinary world.

Educational Initiatives and Community Impact:

Beyond her entrepreneurial and literary endeavors, Elsy is dedicated to educating others about the benefits of healthy eating through cooking classes and public speaking engagements. She passionately advocates for the integration of cultural heritage into daily nutrition and actively participates in community health initiatives. Through her work, Elsy not only introduces Haitian cuisine to a broader audience but also empowers individuals to make informed dietary choices that honor their traditions and improve their health.

Elsy Dinvil, founder and chef, Creole Me Up, sharing her story at our April 2023 Convivium at Portland Cookshop.

Conclusion:

Elsy Dinvil’s story is a vivid illustration of how cultural heritage can be both preserved and transformed to meet modern health needs. Through her company, Creole Me Up™, her books, the appearances in her local news, podcast features, and her community outreach, Elsy continues to inspire and influence many by showing that food is not only fundamental to survival but essential to cultural identity and personal well-being. Her journey encourages us to think about how we can incorporate our cultural foods into our lives in a way that is both healthful and respectful of our traditions.

We would love to hear your thoughts on how traditional foods play a role in your life and any steps you’ve taken to blend heritage with health. Have you tried adapting your traditional recipes to fit a healthier lifestyle? Share your experiences in the comments below and join the conversation on preserving culture through cuisine.

Watch The Full Interview With Elsy Dinvil on 1804 Renaissance