Maestro Fresh Wes Envelopes Toronto with the Essence of St. John, New Brunswick

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“I think we definitely made a good decision because people are very accommodating here in the city, “Probably the friendliest people I’ve ever met in my life — in Saint John, New Brunswick.” Maestro Fresh Wes

Maestro Fresh Wes remembers thinking Saint John “Was definitely dope,” when he performed in the port city as part of a tour with fellow rappers Classified and Ludacris back in the 1990s, but the Canadian hip-hop icon never dreamed he would end up moving to New Brunswick permanently.

The award-winning musician and actor appeared on CBC’s comedy Mr. D for eight seasons and spent a lot of time in the Maritimes filming the series. He already appreciated the East Coast, but as a full-time resident he is now learning even more about the region and had decided to invite New Brunswick to Toronto so that we could get a glimpse of what life is like.

So, on Thursday March 14^th, 2024, I made my way down to an event hosted by Jully Black, the one and only Maestro Fresh Wes, alongside Explore New Brunswick. With sponsors: Canadian Lobster, Riverview Lincoln, Envision St. John, Ganong (yummy chocolate), and True North Seafood Company, I knew that the night was going to be one to remember.

As I stepped into the space, I was immediately enveloped by the essence of St. John, New Brunswick. The multimedia installation was a testament to the region’s natural beauty and artistic spirit.

As I moved further into the room, I stared in awe at the visuals depicting the vibrant autumn foliage of St. John’s forests. The colors were rich and inviting, capturing the essence of the region’s changing seasons. The multimedia display also showcased the dynamic tides of the Bay of Fundy. High-definition footage captured the ebb and flow of the world’s highest tides, set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs and coastal scenery. They did a great job of capturing the charming architecture and quaint streets of St. John’s historic downtown. Each image told a story of the city’s rich heritage and maritime culture.

It was a bustling atmosphere with people milling around, chatting excitedly. Soft ambient music played in the background, enhancing the ambiance. The space was dimly lit, and as I made my way to the upstairs auditorium, I was greeted with a large sign at the entrance that read, MAESTRO.

Looking debonair in one of his classic suits, the one and only Chef Wes greeted the packed room. He took the time to recognize some of the main players of his now hit cooking show series Maestro Chef Wes (Bell Fibe TV customer, go to channel 1, or watch it on demand with the Bell Fibe TV app.)  In the series (now in its second season), Maestro Fresh Wes travels New Brunswick as Maestro Chef Wes, sourcing local ingredients, culture, and musicians for a rocking house party. One part cooking show, one part documentary, and 100% fresh, Maestro Chef Wes gives audiences a once-in-a-lifetime perspective of New Brunswick culture through the eyes of a hip-hop icon.

Guests got a sneak peak of his first episode; Chef Wes brings Kardinal Offishall to his new digs in Saint John, New Brunswick. They talk about hip-hop and legacy, cook some volcanic Jamaican tacos and celebrate Maestro’ induction to the Canada Music Hall of Fame with some bars.

In subsequent episodes, Maestro, and New York emcee DJ Octopussy travel to Grand Manan Island by boat to do some lobster fishing, harvest the coveted delicacy sea truffle, and throw an outdoor concert under the moonlight. He also has Roger Mooking come from Toronto for a farm to fork experience. They harvest from Chef Aerni’s culinary garden, smoke salmon the ancient way over a seaside fire, and hand dip Ganong’s famous Chicken Bone truffles.

Wes shows his adventurous side when he partners with Indigenous hip-hop artist Wolf Castle. Wolf takes Maestro foraging for food in the forest and eel hunting in the dark of night to cook up a riverside feast for the ages, making new rhymes around the fire, and French Canadian hip-hop stars Radio Radio meets Maestro on the New Brunswick coast to dig shellfish at low tide, taste local delicacies and visit an organic farm to set the stage for a Chicken Fricot cook-off between les deux Radios.

Guests had a chance to mingle, exchange stories, and listen to rising Canadian artists who came to put on a show. Of course, my belly was talking to me, and I was anticipating the culinary delights to come. Plates adorned with exquisite edibles made their way through the crowd, each bite a testament to New Brunswick’s rich gastronomic heritage. From succulent lobster bites bursting with freshness to delicate chocolate (Ganong) that danced on the palate, every offering showcased the diverse and tantalizing tastes of New Brunswick. Conversations buzzed with delight as attendees savoured the harmonious blend of flavors, each bite a journey through the province’s vibrant culinary landscape.

Maestro did an excellent job of highlighting the beauty of St. John, New Brunswick. For an African-Caribbean person living in Toronto, St. John presents a refreshing opportunity to immerse oneself in a diverse yet tight-knit community, where warmth and hospitality are celebrated. The city’s cultural scene is vibrant, with festivals, art galleries, and live music events showcasing a diverse array of talents and traditions.

The surrounding natural beauty provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, from hiking along scenic trails to kayaking amidst stunning coastal landscapes. Overall, St. John offers not only a picturesque backdrop for a visit, but also a welcoming and inclusive environment that makes it an appealing prospect for relocation.

Before I left, I took a moment to absorb the beauty of the exhibition before reluctantly making my way towards the exit; my heart was full of newfound appreciation for the wonders of St. John, New Brunswick.