Julius
"the Chef" Jackson
Julius Jackson is a professional chef, professional boxer, author and Olympian, who represented the U.S Virgin Islands in 2008. Julius has a boxing record of 20 wins and 2 losses. He found his culinary passion at the tender age of nine when he saw the looks on the faces of his siblings after he prepared a meal. He continued cooking for family functions and holidays and realized it might be his calling. Wanting to gain more practical experience upon graduating from high school, Julius worked at the Sunset Grill at Marriott Frenchman’s Reef hotel in St. Thomas. This experience solidified Julius’ desire to be a chef, and he enrolled at The Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida.
On his return to the USVI after completing culinary school and competing in the Beijing Olympics, Julius became the lead cook at the popular Fat Turtle restaurant, where he developed a reputation for his exquisite specials and charming interactions with restaurant guests. His ever-growing culinary skills led him to enter and win the “King of the Wing” cooking competition in 2012.
In June 2015, Chef Jackson’s cooking prowess and fame led him to be featured on the Cooking Channel’s Beach Bites with Katie Lee. The production executives were so impressed that they invited Julius to be a guest on the January 2016 Winter Escape episode on the show The Kitchen. Julius was also given the opportunity to be a judge at 2017- 2019 A Taste of St. Croix and a guest judge for the Virgin Islands Charter League boat chef competition. “The Chef” participated in the Annual St. Croix Food and Wine events in 2017-2019.
Realizing how impactful and sought-after his culinary talent was becoming, in March 2016, Chef Julius was inspired to develop his own private culinary experience titled “The Chef's Cooking Lab”, a popular interactive social event where guests enjoy delicious, freshly made food. Not only does Chef Julius cook for his 25-30 guests, but he also explains and demonstrates his dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
Julius' latest accomplishment is his first cookbook, My Modern Caribbean Kitchen: 70 Fresh Takes on Island Favorites - - which has been critically acclaimed by Travel Noir Magazine also Essence Magazine. Chef Julius specializes in the Caribbean, Italian and French cuisine. He also loves to create fusions between all three.
Julius is currently the Head Chef and Manager at My Brother's Workshop Bakery & Cafe, a nonprofit training program for at-risk youth. Julius volunteers with the nonprofit Young Life and attends many speaking engagements to encourage young Virgin Islanders.
Julius, his wife Nicole, son Dominic, and daughter Jolie reside in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.