The talents of the Barbados Culinary Team members were showcase on Friday.

The talents of the Barbados Culinary Team members were showcase on Friday.

Training begins for the Barbados Culinary team

Minister of Tourism, Richard Sealy, tourism officials, sponsors and specially invited guests, were treated to the culinary delights prepared by the Barbados Culinary Team hopefuls on Friday.

Hosted by the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association, the annual gourmet lunch occurred at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort. It was the first in a series of training lunches to be done by the group, comprising: Ron Maynard, Kirk Ruck, Damian Leach, Willis Griffith, Janelle Crawford, Javon Cummins, André Nurse, Nicholas Ifill and Ryan Adamson.

Representing two sides – Team Food Techs and Team Smoking Kings – the group’s members went against the clock, as they prepared tasty meals and drinks which incorporated some local produce.

They were under the watchful eye of Team Manager, Henderson Butcher, Trainer Bartender, Jamaal Bowen and Training Assistant (chefs), Glenroy Alleyne.

Butcher told The Barbados Advocate that Friday’s lunch was “us trying to make sure that the sponsors see what we are actually doing [and] understanding how much we need their help.

“It takes a village, and the culinary village of Barbados needs to come to the assistance in order to see us successful in Miami.”

Reflecting on last year’s successes, which included capturing the Chef of the Year title – this was won by Damian Leach – Butcher said on this occasion they will be aiming for a gold medal and other top titles.

“This year we want to prove that we know what it is all about, we understand the competition… We got silver last year; we don’t intend to come back with silver or bronze this year. We just intend to make Barbados proud.”

He added, “Hopefully, prayerfully, we will do well. We have a point to prove, and we intend to go prove that point. We are trendsetters.”

Henderson further said in the weeks going forward, as the team continues to train, they will seek to unite in a greater way as a unit.

The final selected members of the 2017 team will be heading to Miami, Florida, to represent the island at the Taste of the Caribbean competition from June 2nd to 6th. (MG)

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