Barbados shone on the stage as they once again defended its title by winning the highly honored culinary festival, Taste of the Caribbean.
The competition was held in Miami, Florida at the Kovens Center of Florida International University.
Rhashindra Donge of Bonaire was crowned the Caribbean Chef of the Year 2024 while Barbados was named the Caribbean National Culinary Team of the Year.
Moreover, the silver medal was secured by Saint Lucia’s Team while the bronze medal was secured by Antigua and Barbuda’s Team.
The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s CEO Vanessa Ladesma said, “Beyond showcasing our region’s exceptional and diverse culinary and mixology offerings, Taste of the Caribbean is a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, providing essential resources, and cultivating opportunities that empower Caribbean culinary and hospitality professionals to thrive.”
She further added, “the heartbeat of taste lies in the community created, the camaraderie, the connections, and the collective spirit are what makes it truly extraordinary.”
This event returned after five years of hiatus. This year it featured seven Caribbean Destinations competing in a fierce battle for culinary supremacy.
Participating teams included Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Bonaire, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, Turks & Caicos and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Extraordinary Skills Showcased Across Various Categories:
- José “Yeye” Ortega of Puerto Rico was celebrated as the Caribbean Bartender of the Year and was further honored for Best Rum Drink, Best Mystery Bar Drink, and Most Creative Bartender.
- Kelvin Ventura from Bonaire was named the Josue Merced-Reyes Spirit of the Competition Winner.
- Alex Chandler from Barbados won for Best Non-Alcoholic Drink.
- Saint Lucia’s Emmany Hippolyte was named Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year.
- Dejuan Toppin from Barbados took home the Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year and the Hans Schenk Commemorative Award for the Most Innovative Dish Using Indigenous Ingredients.
- Bonaire’s Rhashindra Donge was distinguished for the Best Use of Beef, an honor sponsored by Certified Angus Beef.
- The Tony Mack Spirit of the Competition award was bestowed on St. Lucia’s team manager, Fabien Vigee.
The 2024 Taste of the Caribbean was sponsored by Anything But Advertising, Certified Angus Beef, Interval International, Mastercard, Carnival Corporation & PLC, The Anything Group, Halperns’, U.S. Meat Export Federation and U.S. Pork.
Barbados winning team included several talented members – Ynaldo Joseph, Dejuan Toppin, Rickeena Kirton, and Alex Chandler, who this year with their great win showed what true culinary artistry and sportsmanship looked like.
