Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands: June 16, 2016- TCHTA’s former Lit’l Chef Robinangel Simmons walked away with the prestigious “Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year” Hall of Fame Award at this year’s Taste of the Caribbean event in Miami, after competing against fourteen other junior chefs from around the region.
Robinangel was a part of the contingent who recently returned to TCI after competing at the event after an almost 20-year hiatus. The decision to compete at the event which provides a forum for culinary teams to learn, demonstrate their skills and provide the general public with an exhibition of the most savoury and delectable treats of the islands, was one which Team TCI can look back on with great pride and accomplishment.
Stacy Cox who cheered on the team every step of the way noted, “I am overjoyed and overwhelmed and truly feel like a proud mother after seeing what our team was capable of producing at this year’s Taste of the Caribbean and the level of professionalism they exhibited during the various competitions. After years of not being a part of such a forum we are already slated to compete next year and will be starting our preparations early as we aim to take home all of the coveted Hall of Fame Awards. We encourage all of TCI to come out on July 13 to our Taste of Team TCI fundraiser event at Seven Stars Resort where you will get an opportunity to sample the winning dishes and cocktails from Taste of the Caribbean. Also we encourage you to travel with us to Miami next year to witness for yourself what I know will be an outstanding presentation by the 2017 Team TCI”.
Cox added, “All of our team members performed so superbly, I can’t help but say again that the level of
Professionalism and camaraderie displayed was phenomenal. Not only did we walk away with the “Caribbean Junior of the Year” Hall of Fame Award but also received Gold, Silver and Honorary Awards in various categories.”
Minister for Tourism shared the good news with the HOA-
• Caribbean National Team of the Year – Silver
• Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year – Gold – Robinangel Simmons
• Caribbean Chef of the Year – Silver – Edward Gallardo
• Caribbean Bartender of the Year – Silver – Jean Tissaint
• Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year – Honourary – Yoginder Singh
• Seafood Competition – Gold – Joseph Charles
• Beef Competition – Silver – Edward Gallardo
• Cheesecake Competition – Honourary – Yoginder Singh
TCHTA congratulated Team TCI for representing the culinary world of TCI and encouraged them to perfect their skills in order to take TCI cuisine to another level.
Colin Watson – Executive Chef, Beaches TCI (Team Manager) | Joseph Charles – Executive Chef, West Bay Club | Edwin Gallardo – Executive Chef, Seven Stars Resort | Yoginder Singh – Pastry Chef, Beaches TCI | Robinangel Simons – Jr. Chef, The Regent Palms| Jean Tissaint – Bartender, Seven Stars Resort | Ian Ongjoco – Student Chef | Martin Wilkiens – Student Chef
TCHTA also thanked those sponsors who made travelling to Miami and competing this year possible.
