At last, some delicious reading news! The National School Meals Programme BBQ team were the winning team from the 2nd Annual Food and Drink Industry Party BBQ Cook-off. They have since gone on to win BIG for Antigua and Barbuda in one of the regions greatest BBQ competitions.
This past weekend (3rd and 4th July), Cattlemen’s BBQ Sauces & The Caribbean BBQ Association hosted the 3rd Annual BBQ contest at the San Juan Convention Centre in Puerto Rico. The National School Meals Programme Team aptly named the Wadadli Grill Masters competed with support from the government of Antigua and Barbuda. The Wadadli Grill Masters were accompanied by the Food & Drink Guide Team, who brought along two young chefs for the experience, with money raised from last year’s Industry Party. The full team was nine strong and included; Colleen Simpson (Pit Master), Kathleen Micheal, Devon Christian and Orson Reifer (Assistant Pit Masters) and Ms. Joelle Micheal as ‘the entertainer’. The Food and Drink Guide Team included young chefs Lana Williams of Curtain Bluff Resort and Christopher Terry of Sugar Ridge Hotel.
Chris Terry – Young Chef of the Year said, “Antigua’s Grill Masters not only represented themselves, but represented the twin island nation and gave an extra boost for the tourism industry, we are now well known in Puerto Rico because of the Antiguan delegation. The patrons (at the contest) enjoyed Susie’s Hot Sauce, English Harbour 5 year old, Cavalier Rum, Food and Drink Guides and Antigua and Barbuda’s ‘A Little Bit of Paradise’. Patrons (mainly from Puerto Rico) were interested in learning about Antigua and wanted an insider look. Lana and I took it upon ourselves to educate the patrons about our twin island state, and believe me, they were pretty excited and will be coming to our islands in the near future.”
As if by magic… the placing was 1st place for Best Decorated Booth,
2nd place Best Pork Ribs, 4th place in ‘Anything Goes’, 12th place in Chicken and14th place in the Beef category. The Wadadli Grill Masters ended up 8th overall out of forty-three teams to compete! Puerto Rico were astonished at our skills.
Lana Williamson said, “Antigua and Barbuda totally benefited from this trip, because now, people are going to know we are a nation with massive cuisine, and when it comes to cooking, we don't play. No more...where's that, or do you mean Antigua in Guatemala? NO, ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, SISTER ISLANDS OF THE CARIBBEAN!!!!!!”
The entire event was filmed for an episode of Food & Drink TV, which is currently broadcasting on all local networks. Managing Director Gulliver Johnson said, “The team should be very proud, we really put Antigua and Barbuda on the map, we were without doubt the peoples choice, and it seems the judges liked our talent too! It’s a Big boost for Antigua and Barbuda on many levels and our performance has ensured the continuance of a similar style BBQ cook-off right here in Antigua and Barbuda. Kudos to the cooks.”
