National Culinary Team Plans

Enthusiasm and interest in the Anguilla National Culinary Team abounds after an excellent experience in Miami. The Team is determined to spread the word that Culinary is an area in which Anguilla is truly world class and invite more of our young chefs to get involved over the coming year.

After an exhilarating and exciting Taste of the Caribbean competition the Anguilla National Culinary team met yesterday and decided how best to move forward in order to capture the gold next year. Team members discussed the competition and what an inspirational and learning experience it was. Trudy Nixon, Executive Director of Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association gave a special word of thanks to the Government of Anguilla – whose increased funding this year had ensured the team had experienced a smoother journey to the competition and had presented a much more professional appearance.

The competition showcased 16 teams of chefs and bartenders from 16 Caribbean nations and the buzz around the Anguilla team was phenomenal – with people vying for ‘The Anguilla Experience’ by swamping our tables during our cooking session and supporting our bartender with gusto.

The 2006 team was made up of senior figures from the Anguilla Culinary world: George Reid, Dale Carty, Deon Thomas, Dean Samuel, Wilbert Fleming and Lavon Richardson with support from Mimi Gratton and Mario Halley. Anguillian supporters were pleased to note that unlike many of the other teams ours was very much ‘home grown’ and we want this to continue. To this effect the team decided that the way forward was to get more young chefs involved, re-introduce the competition element and give a higher profile to the competition over the whole year.

George Reid, Executive Chef Cap Juluca and the current Team Captain said “I am inviting young Anguillian chefs and bartenders to step forward to take part in the ‘Taste of Anguilla’ competition – which will be held in December. Winners of the competition will have a fantastic prize – the opportunity to come with the National Team to the next Taste of the Caribbean as an observer – and that will pave their way to entry into the competition in 2008. I encourage you, if you want to progress in Culinary, to talk to any of the team members about what a great opportunity this is”.

The AHTA also pledged to have more fun fundraising dinners at our top dining destinations. These popular sessions are required practice as well as income generators and are a great way to support the team and have a fabulous meal at the same time. Funds raised will go towards paying for young chefs to come to the competition.

Details of the competition will be made available closer to the time, for more information on the National Culinary Team please contact Trudy Nixon at the AHTA on 497 2944.