John Besh, Aaron Sanchez Barred from Haiti Market

Celebrity chefs John Besh and Aaron Sanchez were shut out of a recent stop on their humanitarian trip to Haiti when one town's mayor was afraid accompanying reporters "might take photos that would be unflattering for the town." According to the Associated Press, Besh and Sanchez arrived in Haiti on Sunday with Oxfam America to help spread awareness of local hunger and poverty issues; earlier today, the chefs and their press pool were prohibited from entering a farmer's market in the town of Kenscoff. The mayor's office claims the duo did not receive permission to film or photograph in the market.

On his Facebook page, Besh described the planned Haiti itinerary as including "cooking local food with Haitian chefs and culinary students, visiting rice farmers who are improving the local agricultural system, and taking in the second annual Kanvale de Fleurs." Upon being turned away at the gate, Sanchez told AP reporters, "If Haiti wants to continue to grow, they have to let outsiders in a little bit."

· Cool Reception for US Celebrity Chefs in Haiti Market [AP]
· All John Besh Coverage on Eater [-E-]
· All Aaron Sanchez Coverage on Eater [-E-]