The ‘Feed The Future’ Junior Cook-Off Competition will once again be part of this year’s Barbados Food and Rum Festival, and the final 12 contestants have been chosen.
Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications, Aprille Thomas, made the announcement today at BTMI’s Warrens’ office.
Following what was described as a ‘challenging’ selection process that took place last Friday, four males and eight females, whose ages range from 16 to 21, were selected from a field of over 30 contestants.
They are: Kobe Balgobin, Raphael Blenman, Gabrielle Bynoe, Achan Callender, Sian Edwards, Domonique Grant, Rojae Griffith, Jade Harewood, Ashonnia Taitt, Mya Thornhill, Dejuan Toppin, and Reese-Ann Alleyne.
Ms. Thomas explained that the ‘Feed The Future” concept, as part of the Barbados Food and Rum Festival was created to help develop the future culinary artists in Barbados, since food is a critical part of our culture and product offering as a tourism destination.
She told the finalists that the selection panel had a really difficult time, and noted that the students were very eager and passionate.
Ms. Thomas thanked the contestants for entering the competition and said she was “personally looking forward to seeing all the amazing things” that they are going to do throughout the competition.
BTMI’s Manager, Public Relations and Communications (ag.), Keisha Springer, shared what prizes are up for grabs for the winner of the Junior Cook-Off Competition. They include $3,000 in cash, an internship at Crane Resorts Barbados, and six months of training with Chef Peter Edey, who will be returning as the chief trainer/mentor during the competition.
Ms. Springer also stated that as part of the competition, contestants will participate in tours to food manufacturing plants; restaurants; fishing boats and PEG Farms, to experience the ‘farm to table’ process; engage with local chefs, as well as receive media training.
Crane Resorts Barbados, General Manager, Christopher Forbes, was present for the announcement and noted that his establishment was happy and proud to be a part of the competition.
He said, as part of the three-month internship, the winner would get to work across the five restaurants located at the resort and learn about the pace of operating in a restaurant and preparing local and international cuisine.
Speaking about their experience in the selection process and how it felt to be chosen as finalists were 17-year-old Gabrielle Bynoe and 19-year-old Rojae Griffith. Gabrielle said: “The selection process was intense … and I’m very excited to be one of the final 12, and I’m feeling very lucky.”
“The selection process wasn’t bad; it went pretty well…. Being in the final 12 is very exciting for me, [but it is] not my first competition. I recently competed in World Skills Barbados, but I’m very ecstatic to be taking part in the Food and Rum Festival this year,” Rojae said.
The finals of the Junior Chef Cook-Off competition will come off on Saturday, October 21.