fp Turks and Caicos

Kitchens across the island of Providenciales were a buzz of activity this week as 17 aspiring young chefs participated in the countries first Turks and Caicos Islands Hospitality Adventure.

The hugely successful event brought together the impressive local culinary talent with young students who are hopeful they will one day be able to fill those chef’s aprons.

The Hospitality Adventure ended July 22 with an exciting Black Box competition allowing the participating Lil’ Chefs to showcase their culinary talents and the skills they learned during their week long culinary camp.

The black box cook-off was judged by one of the camp’s spearheads, Chef Eric Vernice from the Beach House where the event took place. Kazz Forbes, Elanor Finfin Krzanowski and Josephine Connolly joined Vernice to determine which of the four teams prepared the best three course menu using the mystery items in the black box.

Ingredients for the box stemmed from lessons learned throughout the week. Each day of the camp, the Lil’ Chefs had the opportunity to learn various skills and techniques from several of the island’s top chefs.

A large crowd of spectators gathered at the newly reopened Beach House resort to watch the performances of the 17 aspiring young chefs. Family and friends cheered on the teams as they presented each of their dishes to the judges who gave honest feedback on the execution of each plate.

While Team Chowder was awarded the best appetizer honour, it was Team Red Hot Chili Peppers that came out on top — Nia Jones, Snider Poerre, Thasya Smith and Krischan Cox  — presenting the most well executed main course and dessert according to the judges. As an honor, the team will be able to participate in the 2nd Annual Caribbean Food and Wine Festival to be held Nov. 1-3 as well as several other apprenticeship opportunities throughout the year.

The students smiled from ear to ear after the competition, proud of their week long culinary experience. They also said they were grateful to the more than 40 sponsors who helped make the experience possible, as well as their mentoring chefs Chefs Eric Vernice and Thomas Musson of Beach House; Max Olivari of Caicos Cafe; Wolfgang von Wieser of Grace Bay Resorts; and Fritz Zwahlen of Amanyara.

The Hospitality Adventure summer camp was a collaboration between the Youth Department and the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, which are working together to encourage more young people to enter the hospitality industry in order to ensure the country continues to build an increasingly strong tourism industry.