Jamaican chefs, culinarians and foodies are invited to participate in the Jamaica Cultural Development’s (JCDC) free Culinary Arts Parish Workshops which kick started on Thursday, January 26, 2023 and will end on Thursday, March 9, 2023. The face-to-face workshops will take the form of tutorials where industry experts will demonstrate ways in which participants can improve their skills and be better equipped to compete in the Culinary Arts Competition.
The next schedule workshop will be on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 beginning at 9:00 am. at Morgan’s Plaza, Port Antonio, Portland. Prospective entrants from the parishes of St. Mary and Portland are encourage to attend.
Jane Jerry, Culinary Arts Specialist at the JCDC, explained that for the past two years’ competitors have been ‘robbed’ of a face-to-face workshop due to the COVID-19 pandemic; hence, the workshops will help them to be more prepared for the Culinary Arts Competition in May 2023. “At the Workshops participant will be exposed to different culinary techniques where they will learn how to fabricate a chicken and debone sections of the chicken, as well as learn how to fillet a fish.
The participants will also be able to learn how to make proper vegetable cuts from the demonstration of knife skill techniques”, said Jerry.
Each year the JCDC seeks to highlight a local food produce for the competition and this year is no different. The featured fruit for this year is, the Coconut. The focus will allow competitors to display their versatility by utilizing in sometimes innovative ways, a food item that is under-utilized.
These workshops will target representatives from various culinary institutions, community groups, teachers and students. It is also open to foodies of varied ages who wish to explore their culinary passion. The workshops main sponsors are the Best Dressed Chicken and Jerome Cunningham, a local poultry farmer.
After the parish workshops, participants will receive additional training in preparation for competing at the regional finals. This additional workshop will be conducted virtually and will seek to encourage innovative and creative use of local food produce.
Persons interested in entering the competitions and participating in the workshops are encouraged to contact their nearest JCDC Parish Office and visit the JCDC’s website www.jcdc.gov.jm for workshop schedule, the handbook and additional guidance on the 2023 entry process. Information will also be posted on JCDC social media pages.
