The Caribbean’s vibrant flavors and bold culinary talents are taking center stage this week in Miami at the highly anticipated Taste of the Caribbean. Organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), this high-energy event brings together top chefs, bartenders, and pastry maestros from across the region to compete in a thrilling cook-off.
This marks the return of the popular culinary contest after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Held alongside the CHTA’s CHIEF conference, Taste of the Caribbean isn’t just about competition – it’s a celebration of the artistry and innovation that define Caribbean cuisine.
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“Taste of the Caribbean is not only a premier event for showcasing Caribbean culinary talent, but also a valuable opportunity for professional development,” said Vanessa Ledesma, CHTA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Food and beverage professionals can refine their skills through specialized workshops, learn from industry leaders, and stay ahead of culinary trends, all while contributing to the growth and global recognition of Caribbean cuisine.”
Who’s in the Kitchen?
This year’s contenders include culinary stars from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, Saint Lucia, and the US Virgin Islands. Each team will vie for prestigious titles like Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, and Caribbean Bartender of the Year.
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Meet the Teams:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Senior Chef: Ronald Wilson (Blue Waters Resort & Spa)
- Junior Chef: Azarie Crump (Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute)
- Pastry Chef: Britanya McLaren (Hermitage Bay)
- Bartender: Altino Spencer (Boardwalk Casino)
- Barbados
- Senior Chef: Rynaldo Joseph (Sea Breeze Beach House)
- Junior Chef: Dejuan Toppin (Caribbean Cuisine Culinary Institute)
- Pastry Chef: Rickeena Kirton (The Rockley by Ocean Hotels)
- Bartender: Alex Chandler (Cocktail Kitchen)
- Bonaire
- Senior Chef: Rhashindra Donge (Krioyo Fusion)
- Junior Chef: Akeesha Cicilia (Sweeti Bakery & Blue Lagoon Restaurant)
- Pastry Chef: Elise Weerstand (Sweeti Bakery & Blue Lagoon Restaurant)
- Bartender: Eddy Trenidad (Rum Runners Restaurant & Cocktail Bar)
- Puerto Rico
- Senior Chef: Kevin Sánchez (Hotel Verdanza)
- Pastry Chef: Neftali Carrero (Restaurante Julio César)
- Bartender: José “Yeye” Ortega (Hotel Fairmont El San Juan)
- Turks and Caicos
- Senior Chef: Andre Maragh (Seven Stars Resort)
- Pastry Chef: Kenyatta Forbes (The Palms TCI)
- Bartender: Ronel Charles (Seven Stars Resort)
- Saint Lucia
- Senior Chef: Nerville Joseph (Jade Mountain)
- Junior Chef: Kayla Joseph (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College)
- Pastry Chef: Emmany Hippolyte (Anse Chastanet)
- Bartender: Ninus Charlouis (Ladera Resort)
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Senior Chef: Kerish Robles (UVI Cell)
- Pastry Chef: Azamat Sabyrkulov (The Ritz-Carlton)
- Bartender: Putrice Bush (The Buccaneer)
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The Grand Finale
The competition will culminate in an awards ceremony recognizing the crème de la crème of Caribbean culinary artistry. From chefs to bartenders, the talent showcased promises to reaffirm why the Caribbean is a world-renowned culinary hotspot.
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