Taste of Belize

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Belize City, Belize, Monday, June 5th, 2006 -- The Belize Tourism Industry held its 5th Annual Taste of Belize Competition on Saturday, June 3rd, at the Best Western Belize Biltmore Plaza Hotel which featured 15 professional chefs, 7 amateur chefs, 6 cake decorators and 8 bartenders.

“Taste of Belize” is Belize’s ‘signature culinary competition’ geared at developing the Culinary Arts in Belize. Competitors in all categories are expected to create a unique dish using his/her choice of ingredients. This dish may be an appetizer, main dish or dessert and must reflect Belizean or regional cuisine. The “Taste” commenced early on Saturday morning and the judges had the unwieldy task of short listing from 15 to 7 chefs. For the first time this year, a cake decorating competition was introduced, in addition to the day-long cook-off and elimination rounds.

Mr. Patrick Haughton of Cayo Espanto in San Pedro, captured the title of “Professional Chef of the Year 2006” with his savory Pan Plantain De Rosa with Mango, Chile Mojo and Gavifretts. As a part of his winning package, he received a trophy and cash prize of $1200.00. The second place winner, Chris Aycock of Blue Water Grill in San Pedro, received a trophy and $800.00 cash prize. The third place winner, Jason De Ocampo of Global Spice Restaurant of the Philip Goldson International Airport, received a trophy and $500 cash prize.