ANOTHER exciting year of competition was held at the Culinary Arena in Barbados during the annual cooking competition and conference last week. The Champions of the SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook Off Competition, Megan Felicien and MichealaPoleon students from the Ciceron Secondary School, represented Saint Lucia at the event and carried off three awards.
The Junior Duelling Conference under the theme “Celebrating Culture through Caribbean Cuisine” gives participants exposure to, and knowledge on industry standards. This year was no different with demonstrations on molecular cooking, laminated dough and the advent of the bartending session, which was very exciting for all in attendance.
“And what an inspiration it was watching these young chefs move around the kitchen with poise and professionalism battling their way through to the final and emerging victorious, ” according to Team Manager Wendel George.
Megan said: “I really enjoyed the experience, making friends from five other islands and learning so much from the conference part of the event.”
Micheala also appreciated the presentation on HACCP, Food Safety and Hygiene by Chef Jeffrey Rotz, Hospitality Trainer/Consultant from a company called Chefs Helping Chefs LLC.
Chef Niguel Gerald employed with Sandals Resorts International and who coached Ms.Felicien and Ms.Poleon, said he was very impressed with the overall performance of the team, coming from a fourth place position and impressively securing a second place in the final.
The SLHTAs Junior Culinary Team was able to capture the following awards
• Gold Medal – Overall Performance (Mystery Basket Round + Signature Dish Round)
• 2nd Place – Final Round (Mystery Basket)
• Spirit of the Competition Award
The SLHTA has congratulated both Megan Felicien and MichealaPoleon on their performance and representation in the Annual Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge and Conference.