Chefs in Schools Cook Off Guest Judge

In recent times, the culinary   talents of Saint Lucia have been     highlighted on a regional and international platform. Saint Lucia is home to the 2013, 2012 and 2011 Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge Champions, a competition held annually in Barbados for   Secondary School students and; Edward Harris, Winner of US Based Food Network “CHOPPED Turbo Powered” Season Four Competition.

Ed Harris Jr. was born in Cedars, St. Lucia and attended the Micoud Secondary School and  Charter House in Micoud. He lived with his father in Black Bay, Vieux Fort before leaving for New York, USA where he completed High School and moved on to the Art Institute where he       graduated in 2001. In a few short years he put together a substantial portfolio which earned him the position of Sous Chef at the Jalousie Plantation in Soufriere where he had a short stint and opted to return to New York.

Harris’ knowledge of the culinary world comes from an array of experiences. Over the past    decade, he has been heavily involved in several aspects of the food industry, from private events and various celebrity gatherings, to consulting on menu items and restaurant concepts. He’s taken skills from positions as a Tournant, Executive Sous Chef, Dim Sum Chef, Expediter and Saucier, and applied them to his current role as a Consultant Chef. It is that eclectic background that allows him to play an active role in the planning, supervision and creative aspects involved within the food industry.

Chef Harris’ work is not just limited to creating meals for his clients. He has dedicated much of his leisure time to teaching children about food and culinary business, and to raising money for charities like the Taste of New York and the James Beard Foundation. Harris was the winner of US Based Food Network “CHOPPED Turbo Powered” Season Four Competition. He also appeared as a chef on 24-hour Restaurant Battle. His education from the Art Institute of New York City and past experiences allow him to specialize in a variety of cuisine styles.

Chef Harris continues to embrace his connection with the culinary world as he embarks on a new journey as part of Atlanta’s culinary community with Chef Life Consulting and Chef Life Events.

With such an extensive resume, the son of the soil, Edward Harris graciously agreed to become our Guest Judge at the recently held “SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off”.

Chef Harris landed on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 3:17pm and was warmly greeted by tourism officials from Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, Saint Lucia Tourist Board and Ministry of  Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries, along with enthusiastic media partners.

Whilst in Sant Lucia Chef Harris hosted a Career Development Session for Secondary and Tertiary School students who aspire for a career in culinary arts, visited various restaurants to meet with     talented young chefs, visited his home town and family members as well as selected the champions of the “SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off” Competition.