Melba Dedier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, left, and Ernest Littles, (with tie), President/Director of Tourism Development pose with the 2010 National Culinary Team due to compete in Puerto Rico, at the Food and Beverage Competition Awards Ceremony at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain Ballroom, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain. Among them are Raymond Joseph, co-captain Executive Chef at the Courtyard by Marriott, left, Bartender of the Year Carla Cupid, Junior Chef Abhay Nair, Pastry Chef of the Year Avanelle James and Chef of the Year Adrian Cumberbatch. The team, sitting, also comprises Lennox Scott from Botticelli's Restaurant and Sabrina Rosales from Sabrina’s Executive Caterers. Photo: Marcus Gonzales

Melba Dedier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, says food travellers spend about US$1,200 on cuisine during a trip. Visitors to T&T’s shores have a choice of mouth-watering dishes including roti, pastelles, corn soup, doubles, bake and shark and pelau. Dedier made the comment while delivering the feature address at the Food and Beverage Competition Awards Ceremony at Hyatt Regency Hotel, Port-of-Spain Ballroom, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. It was also an occasion to announce the competitors on the National Culinary Team who are gearing up for the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary competition in Puerto Rico. Among them are chef Sabrina Rosales from Sabrina’s Executive Caterers and Lennox Scott from Botticelli’s Restaurant.

Dedier said, “Food travellers spend about US$1,2000 per trip, with over one third of their budget going towards food-related activities. According to the publication USA Today, 27 million Americans have made culinary travels part of their travels within the last three years. In the United Kingdom food tourism is estimated to be worth nearly US$8 billion each year.” There are plans to position T&T as a premier food destination. “This competition would serve to lift the standard of professionalism in the sector, and provide a showcase for individual skills, techniques and styles of culinary practitioners,” added Dedier.

National Culinary Team

Among those who qualified were:

Team captain—Bernard Long, Bernard's Gourmet Services
Co captain—Raymond Joseph, Executive Chef at the Courtyard by Marriott
Junior Chef—Abbay Nair, Hyatt Regency
Bartender of the Year—Carla Cupid, Kapok Hotel
Pastry Chef of the Year—Avanelle James, Crews' Inn Hotel Limited
Chef of the Year—Adrian Cumberbatch, Carlton Savannah
Dedier also said both the Ministry of Tourism and the TDC have provided support through training and professional development, purchase of equipment and the staging of culinary festivals and projects.
Dedier also extended congratulations to them on behalf of the Minister of Tourism Joseph Ross.

Bartending Awards
Bronze
Ryan Wallace—Spalkers
Marisa Leiba—Martini Makers
Atim Chapman—Angostura Limited
Matthew Appoo—D Net
Sacha Kelly Williams—All Out Sports Bar and Gourmet Grill

Silver
Carla Cupid—Kapok Hotel
Angelo Richardson—Kapok Hotel
Daniyel Jones—Martini Makers
Kedar Isaac—Martini Makers

Waiters
Bronze
Jenel Green—Botticelli's
Anika Moore—The Carlton Savannah
Shawn James—Cara Suites Hotel

Silver
Dwayne Duncan—Sabrina's Executive Caterers
Keish Manoo—TTHTI
Jovon Seetal—Chaud
Gregory Seepersad—Hyatt

Chefs
Bronze
Sabrina Rosales—Sabrina's Executive Caterers
Adrian Cumberbatch—The Carlton Savannah
Cael Seebaran—Hyatt Regency
Lennox Scott—Botticelli's Restaurant

Best Rum Drink
Trini Fantasy
Angelo Richardson—Kapok Hotel
Vodka Drink
Mauby Dick
Kedar Isaac—Martini Makers

Challenge Trophies
Waiter of the Year
Keish Manoo—TTHTI

Chef of the Year
Adrian Cumberbatch—The Carlton Savannah

Chef/Waiter Team of the Year
Sabrina Rosales—chef
Dwayne Duncan—waiter
Sabrina's Executive Caterers

Other highlights
They were addressed by Kevin Kenny, President of Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and the Tourism Association and Ernest Littles, President/Director of Tourism Development. Sponsors Jean Paul Simonet, Sales Director and Malabar Farms, Keenan Charles, Brand and Promotions Manager at AS Brydens and Sons Limited and Steve Hale, Director of Wines and Spirits Division Hand Arnold Limited addressed the gathering. Former Hilton Trinidad chef Debra Sardinha-Metivier gave an overview of the competition. Former Miss World Giselle La Ronde West was the charming hostess.