Antigua and Barbuda, Monday June 3, 2024 – The Taste of Wadadli Junior Chef School Competition continues to be a thrilling showcase of culinary talent for aspiring young chefs aged between 12 and 19. This competitive event, held across secondary schools in Antigua & Barbuda, offers budding chefs a platform to display their culinary skills, creativity, and teamwork while learning from seasoned professionals and engaging in friendly competition. The competition aims to foster a love for cooking, celebrate national dishes, and cultivate camaraderie among young chefs.

The culmination of the Junior Chef competition saw Azarie Crump emerge as the victor among eighteen talented participants, wowing judges with his exquisite dish: Coconut Infused Fungi and Conch Shepherd’s Pie with Conch Ceviche and Passion Fruit Salad. Azarie’s culinary brilliance not only impressed the judges but also showcased the remarkable creativity present among the student participants.

Recognizing the abundance of talent displayed, the ABHTA, alongside head Judge Olvanah Richardson-Burnette and Director of Tourism Jesse Thomas, has chosen to spotlight the top five recipes and their creators, presenting these young chefs and their exceptional dishes to the public as a testament to their ingenuity and skill.

The featured Junior Chefs and their dishes are as follows:

  • Azarie Crump from Saint Joseph’s Academy with Coconut Infused Fungi and Conch Shepherd’s Pie with Conch Ceviche and Passion Fruit Salad
  • Lemar D. Silver from Antigua Grammar School with Fusion Pepperpot with Fungi Balls
  • Ashauny Rattary from Antigua State College with Wadadli Pepperpot served with Garrat Sweet Potato Fungi
  • Shemiah Francis from All Saints Secondary School with Tropical Infused Pepperpot with Fungi Balls
  • Gregory-Ann Thomas from Sir McChesney George Secondary School with Pepperpot Dip with Fung Chips

Beginning on Tuesday June 4, the ABHTA will spotlight these talented Junior Chefs preparing their dishes at Nicole’s Table and the Sir McChesney George Secondary School. Hosting these features will be Nicole Arthurton Dennis and Jahmeel Greaux.

About Nicole: Nicole Arthurton Dennis has been involved in the restaurant industry since childhood, growing up in her parents’ restaurant in Plymouth, Montserrat. With years of experience as a private chef on the exclusive island resort of Jumby Bay, Nicole has developed a passion for Caribbean cuisine with a twist, along with decadent desserts and flavorful condiments.

About Jahmeel Jones Greaux: Jahmeel Greaux is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and community development through education and sports. Born to Barbudan parents, Jahmeel has a diverse background in debates, queen shows, and sports events. Presently a Food, Nutrition, and Health teacher at the Sir McChesney George Secondary School, Jahmeel is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of culinary talents.