The Taste of the Caribbean Competition, sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, is just weeks away, and the VI Culinary Team is sharpening knives and polishing skills in anticipation of an award-winning showing. To further perfect their skills, the team will be hosting a fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 2, at the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort. The event will feature small plates, desserts and beverages. Entry is $50 per person.
The competition features teams from throughout the region preparing a three-course meal from a mystery basket of ingredients. Additionally, team bartenders compete in rum, vodka and non-alcoholic drink categories. The goal of the competition is to continually raise the standards of Caribbean food and beverage excellence, and professionalism. This year’s competition is set for Sept. 9-12, in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“We made a decision this year to concentrate more on honing our skills, team building and practicing different food pairings,” said David Benjamin, captain of the culinary team. “This is our first fundraiser, and we are hosting it not only for community support but to get feedback on presentation, taste and creativity.”
The 2010 team includes: Chef Ashley Allen Sr. (Ken’s Food Mobile); Chef David Benjamin (The Ritz Carlton); pastry Chef Kunal Chakrabarti (The Ritz Carlton); alternate Chef Negust Kaza (Tuttu Bene-St. Croix); bartender Josh King (The Cellar/East End Café); Chef Dennis Vanterpool (Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort); and Chef Josh Villain (Bacchus-St. Croix). Two junior chefs will accompany the team and also compete for their own title.
Sponsors that have provided in-kind and monetary donations to support their quest for Gold are: Bellows/Gallo Wines, The Department of the Tourism, Frenchman’s Reef Marriott, the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association, International Capital & Management Corporation, Merchant’s Market, The Ritz Carlton and the West Indian Company Limited.
Come enjoy a delicious dining experience and meet the amazing team. To RSVP, contact Luana Wheatley at 244-2404, or via e-mail at [email protected].