May 31, 2006 – The newly selected VI Culinary Team will have their first fundraiser from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., on Monday, June 5, at the Westin Resort on St. John. The seven member team, co-sponsored by the Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association, will compete in late June against other Caribbean teams at the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel Association. Funds raised will be used for the purchase of airfare, uniforms, equipment registration and other essentials.
The team is comprised of chefs Andrew Power and Rodney Rightenburg of Caneel Bay, Leslie Gumbs of Theo's Personal Chefs & Catering Services, pastry chef Dennis Gribbin of Cultured Pelican on St. Croix, and bartender Steve Potter of Craig & Sally's. Ric Ade, head chef at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort will again captain the team. The search for a high school intern is currently underway.
The dinner will follow the same format as the competition utilizing a mystery basket of ingredients. The 3-course dinner will include an appetizer; entrée featuring beef, pork or chicken; and wine and cocktails by the team bartender.
"This is a major competition for the Virgin Islands' master chefs," said Ric Ade. "We have amazingly talented culinary masters and this is an opportunity to showcase the Virgin Islands as a great destination for foodie travel."
The cost for the fundraiser is $85 per person. The ticket includes round-trip ferry service from the National Park Service dock in St. Thomas to the Westin Resort aboard the Westin Breeze ferry. The ferry departs St. Thomas at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 9 p.m.
Last year's team was awarded five medals, including a bronze, a Spirit of the Competition award, most innovative dish, and two bartender honors. To reserve a ticket, contact the Hotel &Tourism Association at 774-6835.