What started out as a culinary challenge to the boys on the block in Island Harbour ended up as a fantastic production of fine plated fare.
Eight young men in teams of two, donned their chef jackets and squared off against each other to exhibit their culinary skills in The Mystic Vibes Kitchen Amateur Chef Competition on June 1st, 2020.
Each team was presented with a mystery basket from which a dish had to be created using each item in the basket.
Ten minutes were allotted for teams to discuss the preparation of the dish they wished to present to the judges – and fifty minutes to prepare, cook and present four plated meals, three of which were to be judged and one for general display.
Meals displayed were a visual treat and were presented in an artistic and aesthetic style. Teams were judged on culinary skills and creativity, while dishes were judged on presentation and taste by esteemed judges Chef Kenrick ‘John’ Richardson (Four Seasons), Chef Claudio Gumbs (Four Seasons)and Sous Chef Pamela Seeyu (Lime Keel).
Not only did the amateur chefs create impressive dishes – they coined fun team names for their kitchen stations:
Station 1: Act Like You Know: Sammy Gumbs and Akoy ‘Akup’ Phillips.
Station 2: Recession Kitchen: Rashorn ‘Big Rash’ Harrigan and Travelle Yella’ Harrigan.
Station 3: The Kool Ones: Kylon ‘Code’ Webster and Leon ‘Pamper’ Dasent.
Station 4: The Munchies: Davilee ‘Dayber’ Hughes and Junior ‘Physique’ Rogers.
Throughout the competition, Chad Smith acted as general assistant for all teams.
Judges and spectators alike were overawed by the efforts and results of the participants, with The Kool Ones emerging winners.
This event was organized and executed by the Committee to elect Dr. Ellis Lorenzo Webster, after having noticed that these unemployed youngsters found pleasure in cooking almost everyday as a pastime.
Not only are they cooking. They are doing it in a way, on three fire rocks as practised by our ancestors who, no doubt, would have given a nod of approval. In fact, this is where the idea was birthed .
The event not only provided a platform for these young men to showcase their creativity and culinary skills, but also helped them to explore their hidden talents and discover new areas of interest.
There is a hope to expand the competition to include primary school students and unemployed persons.
It is envisaged that Mystic Vybz Kitchen would be the genesis of the Island Harbour Culinary Arts Academy.
- Contributed
