The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s (JCDC) is on the lookout for foodies, who wish to showcase their talents in the 2017 Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition. The competition which began accepting entries in September 2016, invites persons to compete in various categories including, Special Diets (Live Cooking), Fruit and Vegetable Carving, Sweet Treats, Mixology, Dutchie Dash and Hot off the Grill. The aim of the competition is to showcase the creative talents of Jamaicans in the culinary arts, while promoting healthy lifestyle and wellness. The competition also seeks to encourage innovative and creative use of local foods and to stimulate creative talents and provide opportunities for exploring the economic potential of local foods.
According to Paula Williams, JCDC Culinary Arts Development Specialist, “The Culinary Competition promises to be especially exciting and interesting as we focus on presenting local foods in a creative way. We look forward to some amazing meals and can’t wait to get participants involved. Persons are encouraged to visit the nearest JCDC office and get their entries in by Friday, March 10, 2017.”
Foodie Reality Show
There is a new component to the 2017 Competition, as entrants in the Star Chef (Live Cooking) category, could go on to compete in a foodie reality series for the ultimate crown of TV Star Chef. In this category, the entrants’ culinary skills will be put to the test as they are challenged to prepare a four course meal, using a surprise ingredient in each round while competing in the separate rounds. At the end of each round participants will be eliminated based on a scoring system.
2017 Culinary Competition Closing
Entry forms for the 2017 Culinary Arts Competition can be accessed on the JCDC website at www.jcdc.gov.jm, at the JCDC parish offices island-wide and at the JCDC Head Office at 3-5 Phoenix Ave, Kingston 10. The entrants will thereafter showcase their culinary skills at the Regional Championships scheduled for Friday April 7, 2017 in St. Mary (Northern region); Wednesday April 12, 2017 in Manchester (Central Region); Friday April 28, 2017 in Kingston (Eastern Region) and Wednesday May 3, 2017 in St. James (Western Region).
