The Tribune

The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) and the 2019 Bahamas National Culinary Team welcomed the industry to their “Culinary and Mixology Extravaganza” held at SLS last Thursday.

The fundraising event takes place each year just prior to the team’s departure to Miami where they will compete against top chefs and mixologists from countries throughout the Caribbean. The 2019 celebration was widely considered one of the best yet as the team of 11 showcased and served unique, indigenous Bahamian food and drinks at varying “action stations” set throughout the beautifully decorated SLS Studio Ballroom.

“This year, we wanted to bring our hard working team out from behind the scenes, and into the spotlight” stated Carlton Russell, President of the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association, the organisation that facilitates the National Culinary Team’s long standing participation in the Taste of The Caribbean Competition. “They deserve to be front and centre, they are dedicated, passionate, talented chefs and mixologists who have given so much of themselves to represent The Bahamas. The food and drink showcased tonight are as visually stunning as they were delicious. We could not be more proud of these young men and women.”

The 2019 National Culinary Team, led by team manager, top Chef Devin Johnson includes: Team Administrators, Sharon Farrington of the BHTA and Chef Mario Adderley; Team Captain, Jamal Small; Chefs Leonardis Moss, Celeste Smith, Kevyn Pratt, Tevin Kemp; Mixologist Derek Blackmon, Junior Chef Hazen Rolle and Apprentice Ryan Mcintosh.