This Week at the SLHTA, February 7th, 2014

Chef Ed Harris, guest judge at Inaugural SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off Competition 2014

The Saint Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association (SLHTA) has developed a school outreach programme named “Chefs in Schools”, which is aimed at providing students with hands on experience working with Chefs in the Hospitality Industry.  The visiting Chef discusses career highlights, past experiences and industry information with students and guides them in a practical preparation of a dish using local ingredients.

This initiative is geared at educating and supporting aspiring students with a keen interest in Culinary Arts.  It is also designed to raise the awareness of students about local cuisine and encourage students to use more local ingredients in the preparation of healthy meals.  The SLHTA continues to assist our youth by implementing such innovative and inspiring programmes.  As a result, a number of schools around the island have so far benefited from this initiative.

In celebration of Saint Lucia’s 35th Anniversary of Independence, the SLHTA will be hosting its inaugural School Cook-Off Competition at theBeausejour Cricket Stadium on February 22nd 2014 commencing at 10 a.m.

The winning school will participate in this year’s Caribbean Junior Duelling Challenge (CJDC) competition to be held 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.

Celebrity Chef Ed Harris 

is coming to Saint Lucia

Chef Ed will be in Saint Lucia on Thursday 20th February  to be a guest judge in the SLHTA Chefs in Schools Cook-Off Competition 2014.  The Cook-Off will be held at the Beausejour Cricket Stadium on Saturday 22nd February 2014, where Saint Lucians will be celebrating their 35th year of independence.

Edward Harris Jr. was born in Cedars, St. Lucia and lived in Barbados, Guyana, Grenada and Jamaica before returning to St. Lucia to finish his secondary education at Micoud Secondary School and Charter House in Micoud. He last 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, Ed Harris Jr. 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. Prior to his St. Lucia stint, he worked as Sous Chef for Michael’s Restaurant between 5th and 6th Avenue on Broadway where celebrity guests included President Bill Clinton. From humble beginnings, Edward Harris Jr. continues to make St. Lucia and his parents proud. At age 30 he is well advanced in his career.

New York City Chef, Ed Harris‘ unending passion for cuisine began in the kitchen many years ago. 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, Harris’ knowledge of the culinary world comes from an array of experiences. 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 the Food Network’s CHOPPED “Turbo Powered” Season Four. 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. A St. Lucian native, 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.

SLTB SALUTES 

‘AMERICA’S TOP CHEF’ FINALIST

The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) extends heartfelt congratulations to Nina Compton-Millar, a true daughter of the soil, on her proud representation of Simply Beautiful Saint Lucia in the finale of the popular American reality TV show “Top Chef.”

Although not emerging Top Chef, Nina’s performance is being celebrated not only by herself and her immediate family, but indeed all of Saint Lucia and particularly by the hospitality industry. Over the years we have consistently extolled the awarding winning culinary delights of Saint Lucia, as exemplified in our indigenous recipes so masterfully brought to life by Nina, week after week, throughout her presence on the show.

Thanks to her accomplishments, the culinary creativity of our chefs at award winning resorts and fine restaurants across the island is now further magnified.

As a marketing agency, we have reached out to Nina and have already begun seriously exploring tangible ways of leveraging her international stardom. The rationale is not only to further recognize her tremendous culinary expertise, but also to focus even more attention on our island as a truly award winning destination, one that produces extraordinary talents in various endeavors, be it academia, sports, or the much acclaimed culinary arts.

Again we say kudos and well done Nina Compton-Millar. 

Maxwell, Tessanne Chin, Barrington Levy, Dee Dee Bridgewater & P-Square among stellar line-up!

An all-star cast of acclaimed musicians poised to deliver the best rhythmic performances alongside artistic portrayals from accomplished artisans, are just some of the excitement that awaits patrons to the 2014 Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

The highly anticipated 23rd edition of the iconic festival was launched at a gala ceremony on February 6, 2014, aired live from the Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort. The 12-day festival from April 30 to May 11 will attract thousands to the historic Pigeon Island National Landmark, where main stage events will unfold. Full Details Here

‘Wall To Wall Walcott’ for St. Lucia’s Derek

Nobel laureate Derek Walcott is coming to New York. A film about his storied career is due for a premiere showcase in two weeks and on March 28 he will be front and center inside Brooklyn’s Medgar Evers College to reign poetic justice on all who attend. A program billed “Wall To Wall Walcott” presented in conjunction with the Caribbean Cultural Theatre, the St. Lucia Consulate and other cultural organizers have organized several activities in salute of the iconic literary genius. And just in case, facts are scarce about the born St. Lucian, here are 10 things to know and never forget.

With a scholarship, he studied at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica then moved to Trinidad in 1953, becoming a critic, teacher and journalist. Walcott founded the Trinidad Theatre Workshop in 1959 and remains active with its board of directors…Read Full Detail Here

Beausejour Site for Independence Celebrations 

Saint Lucia’s Beausejour Cricket Grounds will be a key focal point as the island celebrates its 35th Independence Anniversary on February 22, 2014, under the theme: “In Unity and Dedication for the Good of the Nation”.