March 28, 2007 — Some of the territory's finest chefs plan to wow judges at the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition in Miami this year — but they don't mind giving your taste buds a preview first.
Four members of the five-person 2007 V.I. Culinary Team plan to share their wares April 9 at the Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa in St. Thomas at 7 p.m.
The $100 dinner goes to support the team in Miami, where they hope to wow judges at the competition, sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel Association.
This year’s team includes chefs Duane Caines of the Ritz-Carlton and Rodney Rightenburg of Caneel Bay, pastry chef Dennis Gribbin of Cultured Pelican, and bartender Steve Potter of Grand Cru.
The fifth member of the team will be chosen April 19 at the Taste of St. Croix event.
The team's manager is Leslie Gumbs, owner of Theo's Personal Catering.
Two high school interns are also to accompany the team to Miami: one from the St. Croix Educational Complex Culinary Program, the other from the Charlotte Amalie High School Hospitality Training Program.
Current team sponsors include Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Caneel Bay Resort, the Hotel & Tourism Association, the Department of Tourism, Quality Foods, The Ritz-Carlton and Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort and Spa. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available to help defray the cost of uniforms, travel, accommodations and supplies.
