2019 Bahamas National Culinary Team Makes History
Seasoned Chef Jamal Small was all smiles as he won Gold once again in the Caribbean Chef of the Year Competition for his perfectly-executed performance which resulted in a delicious gold medal caliber dish. Bahamas took High Silver in virtually every other category of competition.
Mixologist Derrick Blackmon’s creative concoction in the challenging Mystery Basket Category won Team Bahamas High Silver in the Bartender of the Year category; Chef Asteir Dean’s flavorful; beautifully plated Beef dish also won High Silver. Team Bahamas’ innovative use of traditional Bahamian flavors, and their striking presentation of a trio of dishes in the Hot Lunch competition took the highest Silver in the Team of the Year Category.
Newcomer Chef Tevin Kemp created a visually arresting, delicious dish in the Seafood Category; which won him High Silver. Young Pastry Chef Celeste Smith received Bronze for her daring, new- age dessert which took traditional Bahamian ingredients and exhibited them in an “out of this world” display of innovation and rare visionary prowess.
The Team was supported by an attentive, capable apprentice Ryan McIntosh and 305 Team Member Leonardis Moss, another seasoned, yet young, talented competitor. The Team’s leadership and guidance was provided by Team Manager Chef Devin Johnson who commanded the team with an unflappable demeanor, as he exhibited grace and adherence to excellence throughout the entire challenging competition.
The highly skilled organizers and logistical orchestrators were the wind beneath the wings of the entire team; Team Administrators Sharon Farrington and Mario Adderley.
“To have a young Bahamian inducted into the coveted Hall of Fame as Junior Chef of the Year in 2017, 2018 and 2019 is an incredible achievement. It aptly illustrates the phenomenal talent of our young Bahamian culinarians, the potential we have as a country to reach new heights of success and recognition in the culinary realm” states Devin Johnson, 2019 Team Manager.
“I am very proud of the entire team as each and every team member contributed to each other’s success. The composition of the 2019 Team, the camaraderie, the team spirit, tenacity, passion and commitment has inspired a new level of respect. I have never been more proud to lead a team to achieve the highest version of themselves”
The 2019 National Culinary Team, fielded by The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and led by team manager, top Chef Devin Johnson includes; Team Administrators, 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) Baha Mar’s SLS, Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and Royal Blue, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Lyford Cay Club, 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; official National Culinary Team Seamstress whose hand crafted Team attire evoked accolades from judges and fellow team members.
Caption: Front row from left to right: Suzanne Pattusch, Executive Vice President BHTA, Mixologist Derrick Blackmon, Chef Celeste Smith, Team Administrator Sharon Farrington. Middle Row Junior Chef Hazen Rolle, Apprentice Ryan McIntosh, Chef Jamal Small, Team Manager Devin Johnson, Chef Tevin Kemp. Back Row from left to right Chef Kevyn Pratt, Chef Leonardis Moss, Chef Asteir Dean and Team Administrator Mario Adderley.
