Jeanine Prime, Cane and St. James
With much excitement, it is an honor for us at Whisk Takers Zine to announce that the latest Q&A is with none other than Jeanine Prime, the owner of D.C.-based restaurants, Cane and St. James.
Prime has carved out her place in D.C.’s dining landscape with her two Trinidadian-inspired restaurants, Cane and St. James. What began as ambitious ventures have grown into a culinary force that has earned national recognition. St. James was named one of The New York Times’ Top 25 Restaurants in the District, while both restaurants landed on Washingtonian’s 100 Best Restaurants list. Washington City Paper’s readers also offered high praise for the restaurants in the Best of D.C. awards, naming St. James the best Caribbean restaurant in the city with Cane as the runner-up in the category. Together, they’ve redefined how the District eats and thinks about Caribbean food.
But Prime’s story is just as much about resilience as it is about accolades. She launched Cane only months before the pandemic hit, forcing her to fight for its survival while keeping her team afloat. Opening St. James in 2022 with even fewer resources reinforced her ability to turn adversity into momentum. Through it all, she’s leaned on courage, community, and the strength of her team, while highlighting flavors too often overlooked in mainstream dining.
In this Q&A, Prime reflects on her proudest milestones, shares advice for women hoping to enter the food and beverage world, and celebrates the culinary community that has supported her along the way.
What is an experience that defined you as a woman in the food and beverage industry?
When the pandemic hit, Cane was still brand new — and suddenly, I was fighting to keep it alive. It was one of the most challenging times in my life, but I refused to give up on the restaurant and worked endlessly to keep our team employed.
When I opened St. James in 2022, as the city slowly began its recovery from the pandemic, I had even fewer resources than I did when I opened Cane.
Both of these experiences reinforced to me that despite the odds I face as a woman in this industry, these challenges are not insurmountable. With courage and the wonderful team which I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by, I have learned that I can take on and overcome obstacles.
What is your advice for other women who hope to enter the food and beverage industry?
Build a supportive network of other women in the industry.
What are your favorite dishes in your restaurants?
At St. James, my favorite dishes are the Crab & Dumplings, Duck & Dhal, and Pepper Shrimp, the products of collaborations with our amazing chef.
At Cane, my favorite dishes are the Dhalpuri Rotis and Beef Pies, which would not be possible without the leadership of our chef at Cane.
While I am not a chef, I have been blessed with a wonderful culinary team dedicated to executing these Trinidadian dishes.
Photo courtesy of Scott Suchman
What sets you apart from others in the food and beverage industry?
We have a unique product and service offering, highlighting flavors and regions that are often overlooked.
Who are some women in the food and beverage industry you'd like to shout out?
Winnette McIntosh Ambrose (Owner of Souk and Sweet Lobby) and Michelin Mendelsohn (Deputy CEO of Sunnyside Restaurant Group and President of Powerhouse Hospitality).
Jeanine Prime | Instagram
Cane | Official website | Reservations | Instagram
St. James | Official website | Reservations | Instagram
