BHTA & Culinary Team Host Culinary and Mixology Extravaganza

The fundraising event takes place each year just prior to the team’s departure to Miami where they will compete against top chefs and mixologists from countries throughout the Caribbean. The 2019 celebration was widely considered on of the best yet as the team of 11 showcased and served unique, indigenous Bahamian food and drinks at varying “action stations” set throughout the beautifully decorated SLS Studio Ballroom.

“This year, we wanted to bring our hard working team out from behind the scenes, and into the spotlight” stated Carlton Russell, President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, the organization that facilitates the National Culinary Team’s long standing participation in the Taste of The Caribbean Competition. “They deserve to be front and center, they are dedicated, passionate, talented chefs and mixologists who have given so much of themselves to represent The Bahamas. The food and drink showcased tonight are as visually stunning as they were delicious. We could not be more proud of these young men and women.”

Guests of the event raved about the flavors of the cuisine and specialty cocktails, which were created with a 21’st century “twist” on traditional Bahamian dishes and drinks. Creations included; New Fashion Chicken “N” Da Bag with Guava Hot Sauce, Pickled Conch Marinated in Goombay Punch, Coconut Crusted Nassau Grouper w Fire Roasted Native Heirloom Vegetables, Pumpkin Bisque with Coconut Foam, Vita Malt Braised Short Rib with Yellow Grits & Crispy Okra, Fever Grass Pudding on Mango Banana Bread, White Chocolate and Roast Corn Ice Cream and Sour Sop Sky Juice.

The 2019 National Culinary Team, led by team manager, top Chef Devin Johnson includes; Team Administrator, Sharon Farrington of the BHTA, Chef Mario Adderley, Team Captain; Chef Jamal Small, Chefs; Leonardis Moss, Celeste Smith, Asteir Dean, Kevyn Pratt, Tevin Kemp; Mixologist Derrick Blackmon, Junior Chef Hazen Rolle and Apprentice Ryan McIntosh

Participation in the competition would not be possible without sponsors and partners which include; The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB) Atlantis, Paradise Island, Lyford Cay Club, SLS, Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and Royal Blue – Baha Mar, Wildflowers Events and Occasions, Commonwealth Brewery Ltd. (CBL),  University of The Bahamas (UB); Grand Isle Resort, Bahamas Food Services (BFS), Bahamas Air, BAMSI, Bowe Partners and Associates, Fusion Superplex, Sun Tee and Agatha Louise Mackey.