A variety of culinary events were held in the Cayo District, during December 1st and 2nd, opening up a rush of the festive season in this part of the country. These were organized by the Belize Tourist Board BTB, with the purpose of highlighting Belize’s many talented chefs.
For the Saturday night of this past weekend, a unique culinary event for the BTB was held at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel. At this event, there were the final competitions for the master chef title, cake decorating rounds and bartending. Coming in first in the Pro-Chef Category was Marcia Nunez, from Hamanasi in Hopikins Village. Winning the title in the cake decorating contest was Sheridan Polanco, also from Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort. Coming out as Chief Bar Tender, in a competition that proved to be well organized, was Fermin Coc, from the Placencia Peninsula.
Also at the San Ignacio Resort Hotel on Saturday, guests were able to experience a five-course meal, which was prepared by Chef Sean Kuylen. Guests were also able to witness the amazing talents of other Belizean Chefs, ‘mixologists’ and pastry chefs.
The second day of Taste of Belize was held at the Cayo Welcome Center this past Sunday, in cooperation with the San Ignacio and Santa Elena Town Council. The day started with a Barbecue competition in which Nazim Juan from Maya Walk gained the title of Grill Master for 2012. The businessman won a thousand dollars and a trophy courtesy of the Belize Tourism Board, as well as a grill, thanks to James Brodie & Co Ltd. Nazim Juan told us that he won the Barbeque contest because of his exotic ingredients.
The events on the newly completed stage at the Cayo Welcome Center begun early Sunday, with a musical presentation by the Eden Seventh Day Adventist High School Choir and Flute Orchestra from Santa Elena Town. A number of musical groups such as ‘The Orchidia Dance Group’ and the ‘Galen Eagles Band’ also showed up during the day.
A large number of visitors to the Cayo District, as well as locals, were able to enjoy the two day of events.
“It is really to showcase the kind of talent of Belizean Chefs, in terms of their creativity and their innovation to put together these wonderful dishes and also show the kind of flavor of Cayo” says Alyssa Carnegie, Director of Marketing and Industry Relations for the Belize Tourism Board.
Mayor of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, John August, in the company of Deputy Mayor Bernadette Fernandez, gave a personal tour of downtown San Ignacio this past Saturday to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Honorable Manuel Heredia, Jr. The officials took the opportunity to visit the newly renovated Burns Avenue and the almost complete Cayo Welcome Center in San Ignacio Town.
