For local celebrity chef Sean Kuylen, the saying “No Barcode” is far more than just a buzzword. In fact, the culinary expert even has the phrase (or philosophy, rather) tattooed on his upper forearm. For years now, Chef Sean has acted as a spokesperson in Belize for the hyperlocal food movement that has been slowly creating shifts in the culinary world. Today, travelers to Belize can witness Kuylen’s No Barcode philosophy when dining at Slate & Sap, found at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. And, for an even more up-close and personal experience, they can—for a limited time—book a culinary master class with the chef himself.
How Hidden Valley’s Two Restaurants Hold Up the #NoBarcode Philosophy
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- Photo courtesy of property
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- Slate & Sap. Photo courtesy of property
Sister restaurants Slate & Sap are the flagship eateries of the “eco-luxurious” Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge. Helmed by Sean Kuylen himself, the restaurants both feature menus that center on the ethos of “nature-based, conscious cuisine”.
Slate, an outdoor, open-air restaurant, boasts an open-concept kitchen and is often the setting of unique, traditional dining experiences on the weekends. Meanwhile, Sap, found inside the lodge’s main building, serves cuisine heavily inspired by Maya tradition.
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- Photo by Khaila Gentle/ Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle
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- Photo by Khaila Gentle/ Caribbean Culture + Lifestyle
Belize and its people are known—and often praised—for being a powerhouse in the world of sustainability and conservation. (Here, the two terms are a way of life). Slate & Sap, though, takes things one step further. All the meat and produce utilized at the restaurants are sourced within a 15-mile radius. That includes the nearby San Antonio Village. The ingredients are fresh and minimally processed. And the resulting cuisine is authentic and, though it goes without saying, delicious, too.
A Culinary Master Class at Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge
Photo courtesy of property.
Want to master the art of the #nobarcode philosophy? This June, from the 24th to the 26th, eager culinary enthusiasts will have the chance to explore Belize’s culinary heritage firsthand. The experience promises to be as enlightening as it is exclusive. At the time of writing, there are only a few spaces left. With Chef Sean Kuylen leading the way, attendees will go from understanding how to do things the hyperlocal way to mastering traditional cooking tools like the fogon.
With the beautifully wild pine forest landscape of Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge, as well as nearby communities, as a setting, guests will get to enjoy 3 days of true cultural and culinary immersion. In addition to accommodation in a garden cottage, this culinary package covers all supplies, meals, field trips, guest-speaker workshops, and classes with Chef Sean. The course costs $979 per person. Those interested can contact Hidden Valley at [email protected] or +011-501-666-3363 to book.
