(left to right) Caswell Pondt (Jr. Sous Chef), Dudley Williams (Line Cook), Ariq Flax-Clarke (Junior Chef Winner), Kennis Alexander (Chef de Cuisine), Carlos Hannon (Executive Chef). Photo:supplied

Laura Beazer and Ariq Flax-Clarke pose with their awards. Photo:supplied

The BVI Tourist Board in collaboration with Rosewood Little Dix Bay held the competitions on Sunday, November 11 at Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda. These competitions showcased the various culinary and table setting skills of the 25 students who were contenders in the Table Setting Competition and the five students in the Junior Chef Competition. Students for both competitions battled simultaneously for their chance at receiving the $750 grand prize.

“This is my second time being in the table setting competition and I am proof that with persistence, determination and practice anything is possible,” said Laura Beazer, winner of the Janice Blyden Table Setting and Service Competition.

“I have been taking control of my mom’s kitchen for as long as I can remember, trying new recipes and testing new cooking ingredients are one of my favourite past times. My only regret is that my grandmother, Norma Flax is not here to enjoy this victory with me,” said Ariq Flax-Clarke, Winner of the first Junior Chef Competition.

The competition began smoothly with each student being given 30 minutes to set their designated table. Within 20 minutes the students had set and decorated their tables with beautiful presentations accentuated by centerpieces decorated with tropical flowers. After the settings were judged, guests were seated and the students served the appetizers made by the Junior Chef competitors. Guests were very impressed with the presentations and taste of the dishes.

At the end of the competition a bank account was opened in the name of each participant with a minimum deposit of $100; winners Laura Beazer and Ariq Flax-Clarke each received the grand prize of $750.

“This is my fifth year assisting with the organisation of this event and every year it gets better. This year we had 30 participants. The enthusiasm that the children of the Virgin Gorda community have when it comes to tourism and hospitality is so encouraging. It confirms that the future of our Territory is in great hands,” said Kyle Harrigan, Organiser and Senior Tourism Development Officer.

The Janice Blyden Table Setting Competition was created in 1998 on Tortola by founder Janice Blyden who originated the idea in her Girls Brigade group. Since then the programme has expanded to the neighbouring islands of Virgin Gorda and Anegada. This year was the first time a Junior Chef Competition was held. Participants in the competition were taught kitchen etiquette and proper table setting for up to four persons at three courses each. They were also taught how to serve three-course meals along with beverages.

The sponsors of this event were the BVI Tourist Board, Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort, Road Town Wholesale, Scotia Bank BVI Ltd., and Leverick Bay Resort. Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort has rendered their services every year by training the students in table setting as well as providing the facilities to hold the event, and Road Town Wholesale continues to supply the food and beverages.