Team manager Chef Henderson Butcher gives Chef Nicholas Ifill some words of encouragement.
The chefs had an opportunity to speak directly with guests at the end of the three course meal.
Gourmet Series continues to be appreciated
PREPARATIONS for the upcoming 2019 Taste of the Caribbean Competition kicked into high gear over the weekend as the local team continues to practise for the prestigious five-day event which will be held in June in Miami.
Recently, the Gourmet Taste Series 2019 continued at the Hilton Barbados Resort giving local chefs and mixologists invaluable practise and guests an opportunity to taste world-class meals including a starter, main course and dessert as well as non-alcoholic, rum and vodka cocktails. They were also encouraged to give positive feedback and constructive criticism at the end of the event.
The patrons also got a glimpse into the fast-paced high-energy competition format as the Barbados team seeks to improve on their silver performance across the board last year. Chairman of the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association Stephen Austin thanked the team for their dedication as well as team leaders Henderson Butcher and Glenroy Alleyne.
Austin, while offering some general advice to young people in the tourism industry encouraged them to grab hold of the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills.
“If it is customer service and your personality and your attitude are you assets then focus on the areas that you will excel. As an aspiring chef, you can learn to cook, create delicious dishes, and have a unique, artistic approach to creating food. However I believe the most important skill that is vital to your success, is your attitude. You have to cultivate an attitude that is professional, positive and humble, so that learning and receiving information allows you to advance your career,” he said. “A chef with a poor attitude will not survive in today’s world.” He encouraged the team to set their sights high and to visualise their success.
Austin also thanked the partners and sponsors of the event without whom the series would not be a success.
The Gourmet Series will continue on May 11 at the Palm Terrace Restaurant of the Fairmont Royal Pavilion. The meals are prepared with fresh local ingredients. Tickets to support this event are available from the BHTA Secretariat. (JH)