Local Culinary Team to Represent Saint Lucia in Miami

FOUR Saint Lucians will represent the island at a culinary showcase in Miami this month, where chefs, bartenders, and culinary experts from across the region will battle each other for the top spots.

The event – ‘Taste of the Caribbean’, is being hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) for the first time since 2019.

It will showcase some of the best talent from the region and will allow participants to demonstrate their skills and showcase their offerings to the public.

“Since its inception in 1993, this event has become the premier stage for culinary talent from across the Caribbean. ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ is more than just a competition; it’s a vibrant educational and cultural exchange where our region’s best chefs, bartenders and culinary artists come together to raise the standards of Caribbean food and beverage excellence,” Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of CHTA said at a ceremony on Wednesday.

“Our participants will engage in a variety of challenges including Senior and Junior Chef, mystery basket events, a pastry chef showdown, and a multi-round bartending challenge. Each of these events reflects our commitment to nurturing a culture of culinary innovation and professional development, strengthening the Caribbean’s reputation on the global culinary stage,” she noted.

This year, eight nations will participate in the event, namely, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, the USVI and Saint Lucia; all of them are eager to display their unique flavours, traditions, and craftsmanship.

While participants will go head to head at ‘Taste of the Caribbean’, it also allows them to share generously “building lasting connections that enrich the entire region,” Ledesma stated.

“I look forward to witnessing the incredible talent and unity our Saint Lucian team will bring to ‘Taste of the Caribbean’. Their dedication is a testament to our shared vision of elevating Caribbean cuisine and strengthening the bonds that tie our region together,” she added.

The National Culinary Team received over $85,000 in sponsorship this year, with the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association’s Tourism Enhancement Fund donating $75,000 in support. Another sponsor,  the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority also donated $10, 000.

Donette Ismael, Programme Manager of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), said a key part of the Fund’s mandate is to support human resource development initiatives.

“Saint Lucia’s participation in ‘Taste’ provides an incredible opportunity to give back by investing in the development of our culinary professionals while promoting our island’s culture. This is precisely why we have supported the National Culinary Team for so many years. It is a dedication that the TEF has held since the inception of the renowned competition,” she said.

According to her, “We recognize that culinary excellence plays a pivotal role in our tourism product and national identity. This sponsorship reflects our deep-rooted commitment to the team and the future of culinary arts in Saint Lucia. We are not just funding a competition, we are investing in the future of our tourism industry, our young professionals and the creative minds that put Saint Lucia on the global map.”

Republic Bank also offered its support to the National Team with a donation of $10,000.

The Country Manager for the Bank, Gezella Claxton, in her remarks, said the bank will continue to invest in initiatives like ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ through their Power to Make a Difference Programme.

“Thanks to everyone’s contribution we continue to have a platform that celebrates our unique Caribbean flavours and the creativity of our chefs and bartenders. Republic Bank is proud to be part of this journey supporting our local team as they strive for excellence,” she said.

The National Team is hoping to leave an indelible mark at ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ with their scintillating dishes and unique concoctions.

Ninus Charlouis, a bartender on the National Team who resides in Soufriere, said he’s looking forward to a great experience “and (getting) to see other bartenders (so I could) see where I can improve.”

“I’m presenting two cocktails: The non-alcoholic is a watermelon smash (and) the second drink is a classic ‘Manhattan’ using Admiral Rodney,” homemade syrup, and other ingredients, he said.

Another team member, Kayla Joseph, a junior chef who is also from Soufriere, told The VOICE she is excited “to see people’s reactions and what they will say about my dishes.”

Joseph will be participating in the Mystery Basket event.

There are four categories in ‘Taste of the Caribbean’: Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year and Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year.

Nerville Joseph (Senior Chef), Kayla Joseph (Junior Chef), Emmany Hippolyte (Pastry Chef) and Ninus Charlouis (Bartender) will be representing Saint Lucia at the event.