Increased Chefs For Magic Mango Culinary Competition

 For Immediate Release: St. Johns, Antigua, July 6, 2010 … The Magic Mango Culinary Competition which forms part of the annual Christian Valley Mangofest has recorded an increase in chefs’ participation.

 But, Madeleine McComas, Chairperson of the Magic Mango Culinary Competition says, although the bartenders’ competition showed a decline from 11 to six, she is optimistic that the initiative will continue to boost its “high standards.”

  According to McComas, “the Mango Pineapple Menu Professional Chefs and Bartenders Competition is a food and drink extravaganza that is held every year as part of the Mango Festival celebrations, and it is open to the public.”

 Explaining the process, the sub –committee chairperson noted, “each, chef is required to prepare two dishes featuring mangoes and pineapples, and they are judged in the kitchen by a panel of three experienced chefs.” She added further that separate panels of judges are set –up for presentation, taste and harmony of each dish.

 In the meanwhile, bartenders, she added, are also required to prepare two drinks featuring mangoes and pineapples.

 They are non-alcoholic beverage and an alcoholic cocktail, respectively.

 The bartenders are judged on taste, methodology and bar practices and skills.

 The competitions comprising 20 chefs and 6 bartenders are representing Carlisle Bay Resort, Galley Bay Resort, Hermitage Bay Resort, Sugar Ridge, The Beach Restaurant, Curtain Bluff Hotel, Blue Waters Antigua, The Tides Restaurant and Bay House Restaurant at Trade Winds Hotel, respectively.

 McComas noted that, for the first time, “Student chefs from the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute have been accepted into the competition. Student chefs will compete on an equal basis with the professionals, and it will be interesting to see where they place in the competition.”

 She emphasized that “the contestants’ dishes and drinks will be presented for public viewing as they complete their entries. You won’t be able to taste, but, you can view the astonishing variety of dishes and drinks produced by talented chefs and bartenders from the top restaurants, hotels and resorts in Antigua.”

 The Magic Mango Culinary Competition is scheduled for Saturday, August 7 at the Antigua & Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute, from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The activity is opened to the public.

 Residents are also invited to participate in the National Mango Day, set for August 13 and the Christian Valley Mango Festival on August 14 & 15.

 The mango festival is a collaborative effort by the ministries of agriculture and tourism, geared towards strengthening the agro-tourism linkages.onika.campbell@gmail.com

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