The first two rounds of the Wadadli Junior Chef Cook-off Competition have been
completed and the organizers, the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism
Association and the Ministry of Tourism, are singing the praises of the
competition, so far.
The GARD Centre near Pares Village is the venue for this competition that seeks
to bring out the culinary skills of students within the nation’s secondary schools in
preparing a selected national dish, Pepperpot.
The ABHTA said two schools have emerged winners following the completion of
Rounds 1 & 2 on Friday. They are the Sir McChesney George Secondary School in
Barbuda and the Seventh Day Adventist School. For the McChesney George
Secondary, Junior Chef Gregoryann Thomas, supported by Aria Teague and
guided by teacher Jahmeel Greaux, presented a Pepperpot dip with fungi chips.
Her dish was celebrated for its authenticity, uniqueness, creativity, taste, and
presentation, with the fungi chips offering a delightful crunch and flavor.
For its entry, the Seventh-day Adventist School claimed victory with their flavorful
rendition of Pepperpot and Fungi. The winning team was represented by Jr. Chef
Janiya Murphy, assisted by Sommah Martin, and led to competition by teacher
Nicola Reefe-Babb. Jr. Chef Janiya Murphy was lauded for her kitchen skills,
including cleanliness, organization, and meticulous planning.
Head Judge, the Executive Chef at Galley Bay Resort & Spa, Jeremiah Nathaniel,
openly expressed his deep admiration for the Junior Chefs. He highlighted the
profound lessons he gleaned from their culinary creations, noting that some of the
dishes demonstrated the potential to grace the menus of hotels across Antigua and
Barbuda. With genuine enthusiasm, he encouraged the participants from schools
that did not secure a spot in the finale to persist in refining their skills and eagerly
return to the competition next year.
The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition continues today at the GARD
Centre with the final two preliminary rounds:
1. Round 3 (8:30 a.m.) will feature The Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality
Training Institute, Antigua State College, Clare Hall Secondary School,
Jennings Secondary School, and Ottos Comprehensive School.
2. Round 4 (1:00 p.m.) will culminate in an exciting showdown between
Christ the King High School, The Antigua Girls’ High School, Irene B.
Williams Secondary School, and St. Joseph’s Academy.
The winning school will receive EC$10,000.00 to enhance its Home Economics
facilities, and the winning student will have the opportunity to represent Team
Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious Taste of Caribbean event 2024, in Miami.
