Darissa, winner of 2011 table setting competition. Photo: Provided

Students in the 2011 Table Setting Competition setting their individual tables. Photo: Provided

The BVI Tourist Board has partnered with Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort to hold the fifth annual Janice Blyden Table Setting Competition at Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda. This year the table setting competition has been enhanced to include the first ever Junior Chef Competition. On November 11, 2012 starting at 11:30A.M. these two competitions will combine to showcase the student’s table setting and service skills as well as their culinary expertise.  

The goal of the competition is to take the common skills of table setting and food preparation to a more advanced level, providing an additional career option for those aspiring to work in the hospitality industry. It will consist of 30 students, 25 of which will be participating in the Table Setting Competition and the remaining five in the Junior Chef Competition. The students with ages ranging from 12-18 have worked diligently over the past week to perfect their skills in efforts to be crowned the victor of these exciting competitions. 

Prior to the competition the students are trained for one week at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. They are taught by seasoned professionals in the culinary, hospitality and service industry on kitchen etiquette and proper table setting for up to four persons at three courses each. They are also taught how to serve three-course meals along with beverages.  At the end of the competition a bank account will be opened in the name of each participant with a minimum deposit of $100; the winner will receive an additional grand prize of $500.

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 will be the first time a Junior Chef Competition will be held.

The sponsors of this event are 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.

Persons who are interested in attending the competition may contact Kyle Harrigan, Shereen Flax-Charles or Sasha Flax at the Sister Island Tourism Development Office by calling 284-495-5181.