Belizean Culinary Talents Showcased At The 8th Annual Taste Of Belize

On August 29th, 2009, Old Belize Adventure Historical Center was filled with guests from all over the country as the Belize Tourism Board held its 8th Annual Taste of Belize Culinary Competition. The annual event attracted over 700 attendees who came to cheer for the competition which included 12 professional chefs, 5 young professional chefs, 9 bartenders, and 5 cake decorators as they competed for the first place in each category

"Taste of Belize" is a signature culinary competition geared at developing the Culinary Arts in Belize. Competitors in all categories were expected to create a unique display of culinary arts using his/her choice of ingredients.

And the winners were…..

• Victor Nal of Sunset Grill Ltd. located in San Pedro who was awarded "Professional Chef of the year 2009" with his signature dish, Tower of Sacred Coffee and Spice Rubbed Beef Medallions layered with a Jalapeño and Cheese Malanga Papooce, Red Wine and Onion Sauce and served with sautéed julienned vegetables.

• The Young Professional Chef of the Year was awarded to Ernest Bradley for his dish, Coconut Cilantro Chicken, Garlicky Mashed Potatoes and Sautéed Vegetable
• The Bartender of the Year was awarded to Mariano Coc, bartender at Belizean Dreams in Hopkins Village with his winning drink, "Traveller's Juice.

• The "Cake Decorator of the Year 2009" was awarded to Teresita Choco of Casa pan Dulce Bakery in San Pedro for her "Vanilla Yellow Cake."

Beach games sponsors included Old Belize Adventure and Historical Centre, Ministry of Education, Victor L. Bryant, Celebrations, Wellworth, Publics, and Running Brand Meats. Major Sponsor for the Professional Chef Competition was Grace Kennedy Belize Ltd. and the major sponsor for the Bartending Competition was Traveller's Liquor. Other sponsors included Karl H. Menzies who sponsored the Welcome Reception, First Caribbean International Bank, Atlantic Bank, Alliance Bank, Bowen & Bowen, Fresh Catch Belize Ltd., Belize Western Energy Ltd., and Southside Meats.