09/27/07

By KARAN MINNIS, Guardian Lifestyles Reporter

karan@nasguard.com

Great food, great entertainment and mind-blowing talent are all the components that make up a great culinary classic. And guess what, it's here yet again.

Get your forks, knives and bibs ready, and be prepared to pull up to the table, Nov. 7-10, at The Bahamas' 15th Annual Culinary Classic, with a few surprises.

And chefs who want the opportunity to represent The Bahamas at international competitions, have to sign up to compete at the classic, because they will choose a national team from the competitors.

"One of the main objectives of this one [Classic] is to name a core of chefs — juniors and seniors — who would represent us internationally and regionally," said Julia Burnside of the Dining Arts and Entertainment Unit of the Ministry of Tourism.

As far as which chefs will be participating in the core event itself, Burnside said that is not yet set. "We're just sort of getting that in," she said. "We anticipate that there will be some great rivalry from the Family Islands [chefs] in addition to the major properties here [on New Providence]. But a lot of that depends on hotel occupancy, it also depends on whether or not the chefs have gone on vacation and stuff like that, but we should be getting some confirmation by the end of next week."

The major parts of this year's event will be staged at the Bahamas Hotel Training College, Thompson Boulevard, however, there will be a little change, with some events held at the Agriculture Fair, which will be held simultaneously on Gladstone Road.

"The Ministry of Agriculture is also hosting its agricultural week at the same time so this is a beautiful marriage between agriculture and the culinary aspect of it and so a large portion of it will be there at their location," said Burnside.

But, she said, this event isn't just about the contests between the professionals, but is also about education and good fun.

"There will also be displays and food items for sale, so it's a family event. That's why we hope that the contests aren't just center stage."

In the past this week-long culinary event generally highlighted top Bahamian chefs competing and showing off their mastery in the kitchen, with little attention focused on the student aspect, but this year the students will get to showcase individual signature dishes, show pieces and pastry displays.

And the "big guns" will go to war in the "mystery basket" competition, which is always a highlight of the classic. Each team must make a four-course meal from whatever is provided in the basket given to them. The competition is usually fierce with hotels sending a team of eight or nine people into battle.

The Bahamas is famed throughout the Caribbean for its food, and these talented chefs will surely create delightful dishes as testimony to their prowess during this gastronomic event, which you don't want to miss.

According to Burnside, whether you're looking to learn how to cook Bahamian dishes, mix and mingle with top culinary talent, or simply enjoy the best cuisine from our islands, everyone is invited to indulge at the Bahamas Culinary Classic.