Boats swaying in the gentle breeze, calm waters lapping on the shore, acres of under-lit gardens, exotic cocktails, fine wines, and food cooked to perfection, truly a taste of heaven.  This was the summation of diners attending the 4th Grenada Hotel & Tourism Association, ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ practice dinner hosted by the Calabash Hotel & Villas last Sunday evening.

With only 5 hours to decide on a menu from local ingredients presented to them by team manager Mark Banthorpe, Executive Chef at the Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada’s Culinary ‘A’ Team, Roxanne Russell of Bogles Round House, Carriacou, Dwight Ackie of Flamboyant Hotel & Villas, Jason Church and Roland Baptiste, both of Spice Island Beach Resort, on this occasion out did themselves.

Following cocktails prepared by Susan Andrews who will represent Grenada at the Bartenders competition, the lucky diners, who as usual, had the opportunity to critique each dish, were high in praise for the team’s efforts, beginning with an appetizer of seared tuna on a ripe plantain, coconut, lemongrass and ginger salad with a swordfish cervich and citrus dressing followed by an Entrée of   roasted lamb cutlet on a callaloo and potato cake with stewed lamb and okra and pumpkin and honeyed carrots.  The evening was rounded off with a dessert of banana syrup cake – baileys cream cheese cake with coffee sponge – sweet potato, banana and local chocolate fondant.

Randy Toussaint of the Culinary ‘B’ Team once again stepped up to the plate by assisting the chefs, while members of the hotel’s staff supervised a team of TAMCC students as they served the guest. Always willing to be of assistance Helen Bhola, lecturer in the Hospitality Department was again on hand, keeping an eye on her students, offering valuable advice, and judging the team each step of the way.   

The GHTA is still in need of sponsors willing to join the following business establishments assisting with the cost of sending the Team to this prestigious Competition.  

Grenada Co-operative Bank Ltd
Grenada Board of Tourism
Grenada Breweries Ltd
Grenada Electricity Services Ltd.
Jonas Browne & Hubbard (Gda) Ltd
Real Value Supermarket,
St. George’s University  
The Flamboyant Hotel & Villas
True Blue Bay Resort
Spice Island Beach Resort
Boogles Round House – Carriacou
Alex Swan Ltd.
South African Wines

Persons willing to assist may contact the GHTA office.
 
The next Taste of the Caribbean practice dinner is carded for the 25th March at the St. George’s University. Tickets for this, and all other practice dinners, are available from the GHTA office on a first come first served basis.

GHTA – 26 February 2007.