Focus on nurturing young talent

The 12 finalists of this year’s ‘Feed The Future’ Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition have been announced, with the news that the island is continuing to place an emphasis on nurturing young talent as part of the overall tourism package.

The revelation was made by Director of Public Relations and Corporate Communications with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Incorporated Aprille Thomas during a press conference at the BTMI’s Warrens head office.

She says it was really important for the BTMI to build on last year’s Food and Rum Festival, through initiatives such as the Junior Chef Cook-Off Competition. This as the Festival was just nominated to be one of the Caribbean’s best food festivals.

The BTMI has partnered with Crane Resorts Barbados for the Cook-Off Competition.

The twelve chefs, who will undergo an intense eight-week training exercise with noted Chef Peter Edey, include Reese-Ann Alleyne, Kobe Balgobin, Raphael Blenman, Gabrielle Bynoe, Achan Callendar, Sian Edwards, Dejuan Toppin, Dominique Grant, Rojae Griffith, Jade Harewood, Ashonnia Taitt and Mya Thornhill.

The BTMI’s Director says there will be an effort during training to take the students through the farm to table concept.

Meanwhile, a few of the young chefs shared their experience so far.

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