Anguilla Hotel and Tourism Association
           "Strengthening Anguilla's Tourism through Association"

Anguilla 2012 National Culinary Team Selected

Press Release: ANGUILLA, BRITISH WEST INDIES, Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Five young and capable Anguillian chefs arrived at Veya Restaurant on Sunday, January 29th, at four pm, dressed in Chef whites and ready to stake their claim to a spot on the Culinary Team. When the dust settled and the judges presented their first and second place winners, it was Justin Hughes and Jordel Gumbs, with Claudio Gumbs, Leonardo Vanterpool, and Matima taking the last three spots.  
 
Each chef stepped up to the plate and produced wonderful dishes with proteins starches and other local produce selected from a mystery basket. Proteins were sponsored by Merchants Market, with the rest of the ingredients being sponsored by Viceory and Veya. Thanks to Nathalie, and Grands Vins DeFrance, for generous sponsorship of wine, which was sold at the bar with proceeds going directly to the Culinary team.
 
Carrie Bogar of Veya restaurant, welcomed the guestS and advised of the proteins that were to be used. Charles Voudouris, Souse Chef at Viceory Anguilla, explained the procedure and rules for the cook-off which was closely drafted from the rules of the Taste of the Caribbean Competition. The mystery basket was revealed at 4:45 pm, and 4 chefs started cooking with one in seclusion as they drew number for a spot at cooking in the first or second round. Each chef was given fifteen minutes to shop from the mystery basket, and one hour to prepare 5 plates for judging. Proteins were Fish, Shrimp, Chicken, Duck and Pork Loin.
 
Attending guests chatted and enjoyed the evening and waited with eager anticipation, while enjoying wine and other refreshing drinks, and enjoying the evening.
 
The  impressive lineup of judges with the responsibility of selecting the final two members of the team, was selected from some of Anguilla's most notable chefs: Guy Gumbs, Dale Carty, Charles Voudouris, George Reid and Carrie Bogar.
 
Gilda Samuel thanked the guests for their continued support of the culinary team, and promised that the AHTA was dedicated to assisting and working with the team and especially focus on their development, both creative and administrational. She also stated that one of her greatest joys of the evening was the line up of the judges, as some had previously competed in the regional competition, and realize the importance and they were there in an effort to cheer and assist in the cultivation of the younger chefs charged with the responsibility of keeping the excellent tradition of Anguilla great cuisine alive.
 
A drawing for a dinner for two at Veya and a US $100.00 dinning gift certificate was drawn.
 
2012 Anguilla Culinary Team is:
 
Dean Samuel       Cap Juluca                   Team Manager
Justin Hughes       Cap Juluca                   Chef
Jordel Gumbs       Viceroy Anguilla            Chef
Shirmel Gumbs     Cap Juluca                   Pastry Chef
Joseph Hodge       CapJuluca                    Jr. Chef
Taffy Hodge          Viceroy Anguilla           Bartender.
 
Leonardo Vanterpool, Matima, and Claudio Gumbs, will all practice, and possibly travel to Miami with the team to experience the competition first hand.
 
Taste of the Caribbean has re-introduced the individual chefs competition and representing Anguilla in the Singles competition are:
  • Jonathan Hughes - CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa
  • Lester Gumbs - CuisinArt Golf Resort and Spa
  • Darren Connor - Viceroy Anguilla
The Taste of the Caribbean competition will be held in Miami Florida, from June 20-26th, 2012. A list of future events will be provided shortly.

We wish to thank our attending guests, supporter, and the many people that assisted us with the event, and made it possible  for making this event a success.  
 
Menus prepared were:
  • Jordel - Spice marinated duck breast over a pumpkin and scallion fondue, bell pepper caulis, toasted pumpkin seeds and a pumpkin foam. 
  • 

Justin - Five Spiced pork loin with pickled cucumber vegetable ragout, corn-black bean salsa and pork-thyme jus.
  • Leo - Pan seared Snapper with orange glaze and lemon plantain mash. 


  • Matima - Coconut-rice crusted shrimp with a spicy coconut sauce on citrus wilted Chinese cabbage and a Caribbean potato cake. 


  • Claudio - Stuffed Chicken with carrot, corn salsa, Tanya mash, and curry coconut sauce.