Independence 2014 – SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off

West Cost Secondary Schools capture clean sweep at SLHTA’s Chefs in Schools Cook Off Competition

The Beausejour Grounds were heated up during our islands 35^th Anniversary of Independence celebrations as the Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) staged a mouth watering cook off among junior chefs from a number of secondary schools on the island, including Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. A total of twenty students from ten schools dueled for the honor of representing our island at an upcoming regional cook off.

Judging the highly competitive event were guest judges Chef Edward Harris Jr. winner of Food Network’s season four Chopped television show, Chef Robbie Skeete highly acclaimed owner of Caribbean Pirates Restaurant and Chef Pat Pascal Executive Chef of Bay Gardens Hotel.

After the intense (6) six hour competition, the following schools emerged victorious:

1^st Place (with 119 points) Soufriere Secondary School students Jana James and Shirlianna Lamontagne mentored by Chef Elijah Jules ofJade Mountain Resort

2^nd Place (with 115 points) Choiseul Secondary School students Eustacia Laurencin and Aquila Mitchel mentored by Chef Nigel Mitchell of Ladera Resort

3^rd Place (with 114 points) Marigot Secondary School students Krystal Remy and Billy Raynold mentored by Chef Clayton Julien of Capella at Marigot Bay

The first place winners will move on to represent Saint Lucia in April 2014 at the Caribbean Junior Duelling Competition in Barbados. The CJDC has become a highly anticipated annual event. This Culinary Competition is open to Secondary School students in the Caribbean and is aimed at introducing school children to the Culinary Arts in an exciting and competitive way and exposing them to the culinary field as a viable career choice.

While sponsorship was very challenging to attract, the SLHTA is very grateful to Lazy Lagoon Trading Company for stepping up to the plate on the eve of the event to provide much of the food required by the students for the competition. Sincere appreciation is also extended to the following companies which provided financial support and prizes for the participants:

Delta Airlines

Cap Maison

Sol

American International Medical University

Monroe College

Bank of Saint Lucia

Scotiabank

Courts

Digicel

Serenity Vacations and Tours

Soufriere Hotwire Rides

Sea Spray Cruises