US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association

The USVI Culinary Team held a practice in April where they honed their skills and prepared for the Taste of the Caribbean competitions they will each be participating in. Junior Chef Nandi Furet worked with Executive Chef Michael Grau on breaking down chicken while Chef Tatiana Connor practiced the individual chef competition with a protein mystery basket consisting of clams, scallops and lobster shells.  Chef Norman McPherson practiced his skills for the seafood competition. He poached fish and created a “beach theme” using couscous as sand.

Team members include team managers Executive Chef Michael Grau (The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas) and Chef Kilian Werner (Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort), Chef Shaun-Brian Sells (Gallows Point Resort), Chef Tatiana Connor (Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort), Pastry Chef Natalie Buckner (Caneel Bay), Chef Norman McPherson (The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas), Bartender Frank Robinson (Zion Modern Kitchen) and Junior Chef Nandi Furet (Ivanna Eudora Kean High School).

The team participates in many events throughout the year, but practices diligently to bring home the gold as well as regional and international recognition in the annual Taste of the Caribbean event.

Since 1993, the best chefs and culinary teams unite to learn, demonstrate their skills and provide the general public a scintillating exhibition of the most savory and delectable treats of the Caribbean. The 2017 edition of Taste of the Caribbean will also bring innovative educational sessions for food and beverage professionals that promise to enhance individual skills, and will feature a major consumer component soon to be unveiled.

We are honored to have the support of our sponsors, whose assistance allows the team to participate in these local and regional events which bring positive publicity directly to the territory and your business. Your donations help provide space and materials for the team to hone their skills, uniforms, transportation and accommodations during competitions and much more. Call Nicole Friday in the USVIHTA office today at 340-774-6835 or e-mail nicole@usvihta.com to learn how you can sponsor the USVI Culinary Team!