TT culinary team for Ocho Rios

Development of the culinary sector is a vital component of the overall tourism product, says Diana Cohen Chan, President of the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association.

Her statement received endorsement from Samdai Rampersad, Director of Planning and Research who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Pennelope Beckles. Rampersad said Government viewed the development of the local tourism industry as critical to the national economic development, to harnessing the skills and talents of the people and to foster social harmony in the nation. Their statements were made at the recent Awards Ceremony for the 2003 Trinidad Hotels Restaurants and Tourism Association/Angostura Aromatic Bitters Culinary Masters Competition, recently hosted by the Trinidad Hospitality Institute, Airways Road, Chaguaramas.

The National Culinary Team which will compete in the regional competition in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, from October 3 to 5, comprises three chefs, a bartender and a pastry chef. TT will be represented by the top three chefs in the competition, Sisira Pathirana (Hilton Tobago), Tricia Corbin (Solimar International Fine Food), Randy Ramsubhag (Cara Suites), as well as Bartender Roger Rampersad and pastry chef, Herve Lecomte.

Winners in the different categories were as follows:
Chef of the Year — Sisira Pathirana (Hilton Tobago), Pastry Chef of the Year — Herve Lecomte (Linda’s Bakery), Bartender of the Year — Roger Rampersad (Solimar International Fine Food), Waiter of the Year — Bernard Glaude (Hilton Trinidad), Chef/Waiter Team of the Year — Sisira Pathirana and John Campo (Hilton Trinidad). TT, through the Caribbean Hotel Association, was fortunate to secure the services of renowned chef and judge of many regional and international competitions, Augusto Schreiner of Puerto Rico.
The Culinary Committee, chaired by Rachel Bryden, is optimistic about the success of the team in the regional competition. In 1999, the last time the regional competition was held, TT secured a gold medal in the team event as well as four silver medals and a bronze medal in the individual events.