Miami chef brings Cuban comfort food to Sharjah

It was an early brunch for many as the scent of sizzling spices and sweet peppers filled the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2025) on Thursday, thanks to the ever-smiling chef Dario Stephen who turned the festival’s Cookery Corner into a giant cauldron.

In his high-energy, kid-friendly session “Kids Can Cook: Chef D’s Recipes from Around the World,” the Miami-based chef whipped up an all-time flavourful Latin American classic – Picadillo, a Cuban dish made with ground beef, tomatoes, olives, and spices.

Designed to be both delicious and accessible, the dish reflected Chef D’s broader culinary mission: to inspire children everywhere to discover the world through food.

“I’m from Miami, Florida, which is just off the coast of Cuba,” said Stephen, known affectionately to his fans as Chef D from Kids Can Cook on Instagram, as he stirred a simmering pot of Picadillo before a curious audience of families and young aspiring chefs.

“This dish is part of my roots, and it’s also one of the many recipes featured in my book. I’ve travelled the globe learning recipes, and Picadillo is one of my favourites to share – it’s simple, hearty, and has flavours that children love.”

The live cooking demonstration was filled with laughter, questions, and helpful tips from the author of Chef D Cooks the World, who took time between ingredients to explain how food connects cultures - and how every dish tells a story.

“It’s more than just cooking,” he said during what was his third visit to Sharjah: “When kids learn about recipes like Picadillo, they’re also learning about places, people, and traditions. Food is a fun and delicious way to explore the world.”

The dish, rich with Spanish and American influences, was a hit with the audience, many of whom sampled the flavours and took notes to try it at home.

“It’s great food diplomacy,” joked one parent in the crowd. “Chef D makes global flavours feel like something your own child can cook – and enjoy.”

The Cookery Corner has emerged as a festival favourite, giving young attendees a chance to learn essential life skills while embracing creativity – and taste – in equal measure.