About Berenice Banket
Born in the vibrant Caribbean country of Suriname and raised with deep roots in her Guyanese heritage, Chef Berenice Banket brings a world of flavor to every kitchen. Suriname’s culinary identity is one of the most diverse in the region—its cuisine reflects influences from African, Indigenous, Indian, Javanese (Indonesian), Chinese, and European traditions. Meanwhile, in neighbouring Guyana, the food scene tells a similarly rich story: Indigenous Amerindian dishes like stews made with cassava-based cassareep meet African, Indian, Chinese, and European cooking traditions in one vibrant melting pot.
Growing up with this cultural richness shaped Berenice’s palate early on. From the fragrant stews of Guyana—where dishes such as pepperpot simmer for hours in aromatic cassareep and hot peppers —to the Surinamese tradition of mixing rice, plantain, and okra with Creole spice, Berenice absorbed the essence of home-cooking and hospitality. She learned that food doesn’t just satisfy hunger—it tells stories, passes down heritage, and brings people together.
Today, Chef Berenice blends those Caribbean foundations with the rich, comforting soul-food traditions of the United States—golden fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, caramel-glazed desserts, and hearty party platters. What emerges is a unique culinary voice: one that singularly honors her Caribbean/Guyanese roots, yet reaches into American soul-food culture and modern event catering.
At the heart of B-TRIO is her three sons—her “trio”—who join her in the kitchen more often than most would expect. Whether they’re prepping trays, layering caramel apples, or putting the finishing touches on a gourmet platter, their presence keeps the atmosphere warm, familial, and joyful. In every bite, you can taste that legacy-building impulse: passing down not only recipes, but values of hard work, creativity, and community. Berenice believes that every event is an invitation to share her family’s table—whether it’s for a catered gathering, a custom dessert box, or a tray of house-flavored goodness for a private event.