Talent Shines in Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition as Four Teams Advance to the Grand Finale

The preliminary rounds of the highly anticipated Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef Competition took place on Friday, October 11, at the Sir Novelle Richards Academy. The event showcased the culinary creativity and talent of some of Antigua’s most promising junior chefs. Four teams have now advanced to the final round, set to take place on November 8, at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute.

Craig Marshall, Chairman of the Antigua & Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA), was impressed by the level of skill demonstrated by the participants. He noted, "There was so much talent on display that we made the decision to increase the number of teams going to the finale from three to four. The ABHTA continues to be excited about this partnership and we are pleased to have had the support of the Sir Novelle Richards Academy in hosting this wonderful event."

(L-R) Pares Secondary School - Jr Chef Tamarlie Williams, ABWU President, Kem Riley

The four teams advancing to the finale prepared these mouthwatering treats during the preliminary round:

Pares Secondary School
Junior Chef: Tamarlie Williams, Assistant: Jamesha Burnette, Teacher: Shennette Whyte
Dish: Curried Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Zucchini Carrot Slaw
All Saints Secondary School
Junior Chef: Nyiema Williams, Assistant: Nathan Henry, Teacher: Katrin Edwards
Dish: Island Curry Kebabs with Herb-infused Mashed Potatoes
Glanvilles Secondary School
Junior Chef: Italis Christian, Assistant: Drayton Payne, Teacher: Maria Ditzen
Dish: Curried Chicken and Eddoes, Liquid Roti, Fried Eggplant
St. Joseph’s Academy (Defending Champions)
Junior Chef: Calbert Francis III, Assistant: Joshua James, Teacher: Chanda Joseph
Dish: Breadfruit Flatbread with Spicy Fish in a Coconut Curry Lemongrass Sauce, served with a side of Green Papaya and Carrot Slaw

In the final round, the junior chefs will be tasked with taking a local staple, dumplings, and reimagining it in a contemporary Antiguan way that can be showcased on the international market.

The competition will culminate in an exciting awards ceremony, where teams will compete for top prizes across three tiers:

Tier 1: School Prizes

1st place school: EC$10,000 sponsored by Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB)
2nd place school: EC$5,000 sponsored by Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU)
3rd place school: EC$2,500 sponsored by CHIEF brand products
4th place school: EC$2,500 sponsored by the ABHTA

Tier 2: Student Prizes

All four finalist students will receive a scholarship to the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI), providing them with an opportunity to further develop their culinary skills.

Tier 3: Teacher Prizes

1st place teacher: Luxurious staycation at a leading local resort
2nd place teacher: Day pass for two at a leading local resort
3rd and 4th place teachers: Dinner for two at a leading local resort

The ABHTA, along with its partners—Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank, Mega Distrbutors/CHIEF, the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Creative Industries, and the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment—is proud to support this competition, which highlights the remarkable talent and potential of Antigua and Barbuda’s youth. Their support helps ensure that young culinary minds are given the platform to excel and become leaders in the hospitality industry.