Chef Leonicia Rey Richardson, aka “Chef Pounks”, passion for pastry started at just nine years old, greasing pans, making sandwiches and packing bread in her Aunt and Uncle’s bakery. She decided to pursue culinary arts as a career, later earning a Bachelor’s degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from the Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. She has shared her talents as a Baker for LaSalle Bakery in Rhode Island, Pastry Chef at the Ritz Carlton hotel on the Amelia Island, Kitchen Sous Chef at Andy’s Restaurant in Anguilla and Pastry Sous Chef at the former CuisinArt Resort (now Aurora Anguilla).
In 2020, Rey Richardson joined the high school’s culinary staff as an instructor and refocused on her catering company, Heart & Soul. She has been a member of the Anguilla National Culinary Team since 2014, representing the team at several Taste of Caribbean competitions in Miami and bringing home a Bronze medal.
Rey Richardson believes that food should always be an experience and tell a story. Her dishes are whimsical and meticulously crafted for her clients. While she enjoys fine dining, she also loves a good burger – by that she means with balsamic caramelized onions, pickles and grilled mushrooms. And she considers herself a French Fry queen.
Leonicia will be representing the Anguilla National Culinary Team at the Beach BBQ + Basket Battle on May 6 at the Anguilla Great House on Rendezvous Bay.
