The BVI National Culinary Team is preparing to represent the Territory at the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition to be held in Miami from June 22 to 26. 

Taste of the Caribbean is the Caribbean food and beverage event and competition where chefs get one annual opportunity to network, polish professional skills and cheer on colleagues in competition, before a large audience of industry peers and consumer culinary enthusiasts.

The team will leave the Territory on June 21 and include Chef Tonya Malone-Smith of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS); Jr. Chef Ariq Flax-Clarke of Johnson & Wales University; Jr. Chef Lakesha Barry of Johnson & Wales University; Jr. Chef Lakeisha King of Johnson & Wales University; and Jr. Chef Radiance Modeste of the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies.  The team’s Mixologist will be Everson Rawlins of Scrub Island Resort & Spa. Chef Kenneth Molyneaux will not be a part of the delegation for 2018 as he has now earned a place as an official judge at the prestigious event.

BVI won gold medals in 2017 for Chef of the Year and Certified Angus Beef. The team also won the overall competitions in those categories.

Taste of the Caribbean is the region’s premier culinary competition, food and beverage educational exchange, and Caribbean cultural showcase.  It provides a forum for food and beverage professionals to gather practical information, develop skills, sample and purchase, strengthen and establish supplier relationships, and meet new vendors. 

The team will also participate in educational sessions to enhance individual skills and increase the value of their craft. This renowned celebration of Caribbean Cuisine is hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).