Antigua and Barbuda, November 29, 2024: The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition is set to culminate in an exciting finale on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute. This highly anticipated event will showcase the culinary talents of four exceptional Junior Chefs from Antigua & Barbuda’s secondary schools, each paired with an esteemed Industry Chef mentor, as they compete for top honors and prizes across multiple tiers.
Meet the Teams
- Glanvilles Secondary School
- Junior Chef: Italis Christian
- Chef Mentor: Ronald Wilson, Chef de Cuisine/Head Chef at Blue Waters Resort & Spa
- All Saints Secondary School
- Junior Chef: Nyiema Williams
- Chef Mentor: Lindon Alfred, Chef de Partie at Hodges Bay Antigua
- St. Joseph’s Academy
- Junior Chef: Calbert Francis III
- Chef Mentor: Naomi Thomas, Head Chef/Food & Beverage Manager at C & C Wine House
- Pares Secondary School
- Junior Chef: Tamarlie Williams
- Chef Mentor: Lemuel Duberry, Private Chef at Mill Reef Club
The Finale Dish
For the grand finale, each Junior Chef will be tasked with creating an entrée that pushes their culinary creativity and technical skills to the limit. The dish requirements include:
- Dumplings of any variety: Re-imagined and innovative renditions are encouraged.
- Vegetable component: Green or ripe plantains must be incorporated.
- Protein choice: Each Junior Chef will select between fish (available based on competition day supply) or beef.
- A secret ingredient: Revealed on competition day to add an exciting twist.
This challenge is designed to inspire the students to think outside the box while showcasing their ability to combine flavors, textures, and presentations.
Exciting Prizes for Schools, Students, and Teachers
The competition offers an impressive array of prizes across three tiers:
Tier 1: School Prizes
- 1st Place School: EC$10,000 sponsored by Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB)
- 2nd Place School: EC$5,000 sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU)
- 3rd Place School: EC$2,500 sponsored by CHIEF brand products
- 4th Place School: EC$2,500 sponsored by the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA)
Tier 2: Student Prizes
- All four finalist students will receive a scholarship to the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) to further develop their culinary skills.
Tier 3: Teacher Prizes
- 1st Place Teacher: Luxurious staycation at the Verandah Antigua
- 2nd Place Teacher: Day pass for two at Royalton Chic
- 3rd and 4th Place Teachers: Dinner for two at a Keyonna Beach
Celebrating Partnerships and Welcoming New Sponsors
The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition is made possible by the support of several key partners, including Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank, Mega Distributors/CHIEF, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries, and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment.
Additionally, the competition is thrilled to welcome Total Import Supplies Ltd. as a new sponsor. Their contributions will ensure the highest standards of sanitization in the competition kitchen, supporting a safe and professional culinary environment.
Tourism Businesses Aim for Culinary Gold
The competition highlights the strong collaboration between education and the tourism industry in Antigua and Barbuda. Each Junior Chef is paired with an industry mentor representing a leading hospitality business, further emphasizing the country’s commitment to nurturing talent and excellence in the culinary arts.
Which company will reign supreme? Will it be Blue Waters Resort & Spa, C & C Wine House, Mill Reef Club, or Hodges Bay Antigua? The stage is set for an intense showdown as these top-tier tourism businesses compete for culinary glory alongside their talented Junior Chef protégés.
Event Details
- Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute
We invite the public to cheer on these outstanding Junior Chefs as they present their innovative dishes, blending creativity and technique, in their quest for culinary gold.
For more information, please contact the office of the ABHTA at [email protected]
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