Industry Information

The Curacao Culinary Team 2011 Wins Silver Medal

After four days of competition, the results are in, the Curacao Culinary Team 2011 has won Silver medal at the Taste of the Caribbean 2011 in Miami. The Taste of the Caribbean took place from June 23 to 26.

The Curacao Culinary Team consist of; Bartender of the year Humphrey Lew Jen Tai, of Hyatt Regency Curacao, Pastry Chef of the Year Syneuve Brandao of Renaissance Hotel, Chef of the Year 2011 Jonathan de Haseth of Hyatt Regency Curacao, Junior Chef of the Year 2011 Junrick de Windt of Maristella S.B.O. , Team Member Adriyel Lourens of Baoase Luxury Resort and Junior Chef Optional Darshan Amalia of Maristella S.B.O.

During a extensive competition against 9 other islands in the Caribbean the talented team had a new challenge. For all the team members this was their first time participating in such a spectacular event, this was a totally new experience for them.
The team trained for almost 3 months before the culinary competition and during the four Cook Outs the those who participated and the judges enjoyed their culinary art and refreshing cocktails.

The Curacao Culinary Team won Silver medal, highest silver score.
Individual awards: Bronze Medal for Pastry Chef of the Year 2011, Ms. Syneuve Brandao, Silver Medal for Jr. Chef of the Year 2011, Mr. Junrick de Windt, Silver Medal for Chef of the Year 2011, Mr. Jonathan de Haseth, Gold Medal Bartender competition 2011, Mr. Humphrey Lew Jen Tai, Overall Winner Bartender of the Year, Mr. Humphrey Lew Jen Tai which made Humphrey to enter the CHTA Taste of the Caribbean Hall of Fame.

A special thank you to those who made it possible for the team to compete at the  Taste of the Caribbean; Insel Air for their tickets, Kambes for their uniforms, Brokx shoes for their shoes, Licores Maduro for the liquor. Also to Academy Hotel Curacao, Breezes Curacao Resort, Blue Bay Curaçao, IFC, EWT, Brosaun, Coca-Cola Curacao, Claro water, Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, Kusters Trading, Caribbean Bakery Supplies, Fayad Fruit and Vegetables, Maris Stella SBO, Restaurant Nemo, Restaurant de Gouveneur, Sound & Vision, Point Snack, Bay West, Lovers, Deli Caribbean, Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino, Curacao Tourist Board, Nova and Piazza. 

We cannot leave out the people who supported the team by attending the Cook Outs.
Curacao is still in need of skilled chefs and bartenders. Therefore it is important to train our local chef and bartenders in order for them to gain experience by means of competitions such as the Taste of the Caribbean.

For more information please contact Hetty van den Ouweelen Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Tel 465-1005