(Willemstad June 26,2019) – Curaçao’s Culinary Team has successfully represented Curaçao at this year’s Taste of the Caribbean competition organized by the Caribbean Hotel & tourism Association (CHTA) in Miami. These highly motivated young chefs and bartenders had the opportunity to create signature dishes and have various guests enjoy their creations.
The Taste of the Caribbean consisted of several bartender competitions, pastry and chocolate competition, beef and seafood competition and a team competition where the Culinary Team cooked for 40 people. The consumer event ‘Caribbean 305 took place on Saturday June 22, where teams prepared local bites for the public. CTB provided the booth, which was a huge success and attracted hundreds of visitors. During this event Helmi Smeulders(Thelma & Louise Wild Cooking) won Best Creative Dish – Pork Competitionand Brenton Balentien won Best Caribbean 305 Drink.
During the awards night that took place on June 25, the winners of the Taste of the Caribbean bartender competitions, pastry, chocolate, beef , seafood and team competitions were announced. The hard work of the Curaçao Culinary Team did not go unnoticed. The chefs and bartender form one of the most decorated national team representing Curaçao, amassed 11 medals.
| Jurnick Merced | Best Vodka Drink |
| Jurnick Merced | Bartender of the Year 2019 |
| Isaias Ariza | Chocolate Competition – Bronze Medal |
| Aisheron Philips | Seafood Competition – Bronze Medal |
| Henry Suly | Beef Competition – Bronze Medal |
| Luigi Chavarria | Pastry Chef – Silver Medal |
| Mygor Jacobs | Junior Chef Competition – Bronze Medal |
| Ayron Pieters | Chef of the Year 2019 – Bronze Medal |
| Curaçao Culinary Team 2019 | Team Competition – Silver Medal |
CHATA congratulates the Curaçao Culinary Team2019 with their achievement and thanks the team for placing Curaçao on the map.
The success of the Culinary Team depends on more than just the team members. Sponsors and Team Coaches also played a vital part in achieving the medals. Thanks to the sponsors and team coaches: Helmi Smeulders (Thelma & Louise), Frans Smits (Capriles Kliniek), Carlos Anthonij (Amazia), Hans van Triest (Chef of the Year 2006), Gideon Maduro (Verve Creations Curaçao), Mangusa Hypermarket, Centrum Supermarket, Esperamos Supermarket, Chobolobo, Firgos Delinova, Dani’s Fruit Center, Fayad Fruits Center, Hertz Car Rental, Savanah Car Rental, Royal Rental, Amazia, Irodice, Café Barista, Luxury Taxi, Happy Paintings, Tramm, Kokolishi, Angels Embroidery, A&J Liquor and Tabacco Store, Oasis Coral Estate, LionsDive, Ananda, Avila Beach Hotel, Serena’s Art Factory, Acoya Resort Curaçao, Panaderia Isa, Margil Party Rental, Lovers, Coca Cola, Renaissance Curaçao Resort & Casino, All Star Embroidery, Licores Maduro, Nolly’s Party Rental, Klinika Capriles, Academy Hotel, TUI, Mosa, Dolce Vita,, Bacardi, Concept Statement, Phoenix Foundation, Bali Restaurant, Eastern Dynasty, Fleur de, Marie Eatery, David Bertad Photography , BroSaun, Kroon Cakes, Curaçao Liqeuer Cakes, Adorable Cakes, Curaçao Delights, Banco di Caribe, Caribbean Bakery Supplies, Bacardi, Licores Maduro, Kos Ta Bon, Café Old Dutch, EMHA BV, De Buurvrouw, In de Kazerne, Vivian’s Nursery, Flacos, Experentia, Refeneria di Isla, Thelma & Louise, Curaçao Tourist Board and CINEX
The Culinary Team will arrive this Tuesday July 2 at 9.20PM. CHATA encourages the community to come to the airport to congratulate the team with their tremendous achievement.
If you believe you have what it takes to join the Curaçao Culinary Team and represent Curaçao at the Taste of the Caribbean competitions in 2020, please contact selina@chata.org.
