THE VALLEY, Anguilla – July 09, 2014 –The Anguilla National Culinary Team has once again proven they are a culinary power-house in the region with a sterling performance at the 2014 “Taste of the Caribbean” Culinary Championships held from June 28 to July 2nd in Miami, Florida. Chef Darren Connor led the field for Anguilla with the Chef of the Year: Beef Category and Best Use of Beef gold medal awards in both competitions. During the awards ceremony held July 2, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency Miami, the team was awarded a gold medal for Team of the Year, while members of the team won multiple individual awards that included three silver medals and one bronze medal.
The five-day competition featured 10 teams from across the Caribbean that competed in both team and individual competitions in various categories, including Taste of the Islands, Chef of the Year, Junior Chef of the Year, Bartender of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year and Beef competitions. Team Anguilla had members participate in each of the categories, and the overall team prepared and presented food and beverages that were judged on taste, execution of skills and presentation at the main events.
Representing Anguilla’s culinary team were Senior Chef Lester Gumbs ( CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa); Senior Chef Darren Connor, (Viceroy Anguilla); Pastry Chef Jimme Matthews,( Viceroy Anguilla); Junior Chef, Mtima Daniels (Viceroy Anguilla); Junior Chef Teron Thompson, (Straw Hat Restaurant) and Bartender Taffy Hodge (Viceroy Anguilla). Team Manager Dean Samuel (Cap Juluca Resort) was a vital part of the group and brought expert leadership and guidance to the 2014 team.
Anguilla’s team members were recognized by the blue-ribbon panel of judges with the following awards:
• Darren Connor – Chef of the Year: Beef Category and Best Use of Beef Gold Medal
• Taffy Hodge – Bartender of the Year Silver Medal
• Jimme Matthews – Pastry Chef of the Year Silver Medal
• Mtima Daniels – Junior Pastry Chef of the Year Silver Medal
• Lester Gumbs – Chef of the Year Bronze Medal
As the principal sponsor of the National Culinary team, the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB), also participated in the popular and highly anticipated “Taste of the Islands” promotional event and tradeshow, represented by associates from ATB’s North American public relations and sales and marketing firm, Jennifer Johnson and Jill Jones. Anguilla’s cuisine continues to be a significant part of the island’s overall tourism product, and with over 100 culinary experiences available on Anguilla, it is no wonder that the island continues to shine as the “culinary capital of the Caribbean”.
