May 25, 2005 – Sample the delectable cuisine prepared by the U.S. Virgin Islands Culinary Team at their annual fundraiser on Saturday, May 28, 2005, at Bolongo Bay’s Beach House, beginning at 7 p.m.
The Team, sponsored by the Hotel & Tourism Association, under the leadership of Chef Ric Ade, will prepare a five-course meal for their guests. Other chefs on the team include Andrew Chadwick, Christopher Gaspard (Banana Tree Grille), Douglas Simmonds (Westin St. John), Patricia Bellatoni (Banana Tree Grille), Ed Buffin (caterer), and Bernell Lanclos (intern, Charlotte Amalie High School).
Preparations are being made for the team to compete again in the annual Caribbean Hotel Association's Taste of the Caribbean competition, scheduled for June 26-29, in Miami, Florida. Chefs from around the Caribbean demonstrate their creative culinary and bartending skills to the gastronomical delight of the judges and the "taste testers." The competition requires each team to compete in a real kitchen environment preparing a three-course meal for 25 from a "mystery basket" of ingredients. Last year’s culinary team was awarded the silver medal in the competition.
To promote the culinary team and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Chef Ric will be featured at two New York City events next week for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week festivities. He will join other Caribbean chefs in preparing delicacies for 100+ leading travel journalists at a Media Marketplace event, and demonstrating Virgin Islands’ inspired summer sauces at Williams-Sonoma in the new Time Warner building.
The cost for the fundraising dinner is $100 per person. For additional information and to RSVP, contact the Hotel & Tourism Association office at 774-6835.