Thursday, December 3, 2009

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It's the Culinary Classic By SHAVAUGHN MOSS ~ Lifestyles Editor ~ shavaughn@nasguard.com: From chefs "throwing down" in the kitchen producing culinary art that looks almost too good to be eaten, to flavor combinations you would never have dreamed could taste so delicious — it will all be on display at the annual Bahamas Culinary Classic. Up for grabs for chefs around the country, at the American Culinary Federation (ACF) certified event will be bragging rights for a year, cash prizes and a trophy. The Culinary Classic takes place Sunday, November 15 through Saturday, November 21 at the Culinary and Hospitality Management Institute, Thompson Boulevard. Bartenders will also be concocting a number of drinks during the event in their quest for the Bartender of the Year title. In it for members of the public, the chance to witness some of the top Bahamian chefs in their element, producing beautiful edible art — some of which you can also sample. The Classic, according to Chef Addiemae Farrington, the culinary show's chairman, is an event members of the public do not want to miss. Bahamas Culinary Association public relations officer Chef Quinton Curry says you should come expecting to see Bahamian chefs throwing it down with beautiful and tasty products, exhibiting flair, creativity and ideas you never thought about when it comes to Bahamian foods. An added feature to this year's culinary classic is that in the past, the competition featured chefs mainly from New Providence and Grand Bahama, but this year, Chef Outten says the classic will be more all-encompassing, with chef competitors from Exuma, Eleuthera, Abaco, Andros, Bimini and Grand Bahama, along with restaurants and hotels throughout the islands. Culinary Classic fans, accustomed to seeing five-man teams compete in the mystery basket competition, will notice a change this year, as that segment has been scaled back to a two-man competition, from five men, due to the economic recession, making it possible for more local restaurants to allow their chefs to participate. Chef Outten says local restaurants simply can't afford to pull five chefs out of their operation at one time. The mystery basket aspect of the competition, where chefs pulled surprise items out of a basket, and had to prepare a meal using everything in the basket, has also been changed as a sign of the times, and because of the scaled-back teams. This time around, chefs have the advantage of knowing what they're doing, and what they will be presenting, as they will be allowed to bring in their list of ingredients and make their recipes, because there will only be two of them competing. A restaurant will also be open so that members of the public can enjoy the food presentations of the two-man team. The week-long Culinary Classic will end on Saturday with a huge trade show at the Bahamas Culinary & Hospitality Management Institute grounds, where local purveyors will display their wares and different booths will be available with food for purchase. Schedule of Events Sunday, November 15 11 am - 1 pm — Church service at Final Hour Ministries, Fox Hill Road South 2 pm - 2:30 pm— Opening ceremony, Choices Dining Room at C.O.B. - CHMI - Lunch will be served. Monday, November 16 6 am — Culinary competition begins with junior chefs, cold food 9 am - 12 noon — A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Sanitation) Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 10 am - 4 pm — Trade Show, Courtyard, C.O.B. - CHMI Deejay plays Bahamian music throughout the day 1 pm - 4 pm — A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Sanitation) Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI Tuesday, November 17 6 am — Student competition and team cocktail reception 9 am - 12 noon — A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Supervision) Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 10 am - 4 pm — Trade Show, Courtyard, C.O.B. - CHMI Deejay plays Bahamian music throughout the day 1 pm - 4 pm — A.C.F. Certification Seminary (Supervision) Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 6:30 pm - 10 pm — Celebrity cocktail reception Wednesday, November 18 7 am — Professional team competition, Beverage contest 9 am - 12 noon — A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Nutrition) Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 10 am - 4 pm — Trade show, Courtyard, C.O.B. - CHMI Deejay plays Bahamian music throughout the day 12:30 p.m. - 2 pm — Chef's table luncheon, Choices Training Restaurant 1 pm - 4 pm—A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Nutrition) Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI Thursday, November 19 6 am — Signature Dish, Pastry Competition 10 am - 4 pm—Trade Show, Courtyard, C.O.B. - CHMI 10:30 am - 1 pm — FSMG110 Menu Planning Students; Poster competition, Foyer C.O.B. - CHMI; Deejay plays Bahamian music throughout the day 12 noon - 3 pm — CA220 Advanced Pastry Student - Final Pastry Display, Choices Dining Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 1 pm - 2:30 pm — A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Sanitation Examination), Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 3 pm - 4:30 pm — A.C.F. Certification Seminary (Supervision Examination), Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI 5 pm - 6:30 pm — A.C.F. Certification Seminar (Nutrition Examination), Demonstration Room, C.O.B. - CHMI Friday, November 20 6 am — Olympic team throw down, Show pieces 10 am - 4 pm — Trade show, Courtyard, C.O.B. - CHMI Deejay plays Bahamian music throughout the day Saturday, November 21 6 am — Fun Run/Walk 7 am - 11 am — Souse Out 10 am - 6 pm — Family Fun Day Deejay plays Bahamian music throughout the day 3:30 pm - 5 pm— Award ceremony 6 pm — Closing ceremony Wednesday November 4, 2009