An impressive display of Belizean culinary ingenuity and mixology took place over the weekend as part of this year’s Taste of Belize, the BTB’s signature culinary competition. The event was held on Saturday, July 21, 2018, at the Ramada Belize City Princess. Approximately 20 Master chefs, 5 Junior Chefs, 4 Pastry Chefs and 6 Bartenders from throughout Belize participated in this year’s event. The Master Chef received the signature BTB Taste of Belize Award. All winners received numerous cash prizes. In addition, the first place winner of Junior Chef of the Year won a scholarship worth $10,000 at a culinary school of his choice. The following are the results of the competition in the four main categories.
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Master Chef of the Year 2018 Competition:
1. Eliza Carr – Hamanasi
2. Cesar Gomez – Mahogany Bay Resort & Spa
3. Michael Acal – Chef Rob’s Gourmet Café
Junior Chef of the Year 2018 Competition:
1. Rojel Ian Lisbey – Guava Limb Café
2. Dolores Gillett – Student at Cayo CET
3. Ernestina Acal – Student at Cayo CET
Bartender of the Year 2018 Competition:
1. Emir Sosa – Tony’s Inn & Beach Resort at Cielo Restaurant
2. Liberto Fermin Choc – Turneffe Island Resort
3. Armando Wade – Sandbar
Pastry Chef of the year 2018 Competition:
1. Einar Marin – Independent Pastry Chef
2. Tiffany Dawson – Nelly’s Sweets
3. Elisa Quetzal – Elisa’s Cakes & Cupcakes
Taste of Belize is organized by the BTB every two years with the aim to recognize and promote Belizean culinary creativity where chefs are able to entice a panel of judges with delicious cuisines. The last Taste of Belize was in 2016. The winners of the various categories will represent Belize in next year’s Taste of the Caribbean, the region’s premier culinary competition, food & beverage educational exchange and Caribbean cultural showcase.
