Cayman Islands Heroes Day: “George Town heat of National Cook Off Contest serves up all-female competition

George Town Youth Cook Off event served up a battle royal with two teams facing off in Heroes Square after National Heroes Day Monday, 23 January.

Staged in the parking lot of the George Town Public Library from 1 to 3 p.m., the event, organised by the Youth Services Unit attracted a good crowd.

Triple C students Ayanna Davis-Eden, 13, and Tya Bovell, 15, of Team Girl Power prepared savoury white bean chicken chili for the first round. In the final round of the district competition, the pair cooked up Lionfish tacos with fresh salsa and guacamole paired with Island punch.

Rivals, Nashaunte Stewart, 17 and Nathina Bush, 17, of Team Nashaunte whipped up a hearty beef chili with a second round offering of steamed Lionfish with mixed vegetables and white rice, paired with Swanky.

Team Girl Power won the public judging of the first round, 14 votes to nine, to triumph as Best Chili. Ayanna, a Home Gas Test Kitchen TV host and a “Proud Of Them” awardee and Tya, the National Youth Culinary Programme Deputy Prefect, further cemented their victory by also winning Best Lionfish Dish & Drink round.

Youth Services Co-ordinator, James Myles said, “Our youth

contestants don’t let their age stand in the way of creating great meals. George Town won by presenting Lionfish Tacos which would have made anyone’s mouth water.”

Team Girl Power walked away with prizes including $100 and personalised chef jackets to wear at the finals.

The last district competition of the 2016/17 National Cook Off contest is being held at the Cayman Islands Turtle Centre in West Bay Saturday, 18 February, 6.30 – 9.30 p.m.

Organisers confirmed that the Grand Final is taking place at the 50th Annual Agriculture show, at the Agricultural Pavilion, Wednesday, 1 March 2017.

(GIS) Captions:

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Nashaunte Stewart and Nathina Bush of Team Nashaunte prepare their Lionfish dish.

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Tya Bovell and Ayanna Davis-Eden of Team Girl Power competed in the George Town Cook Off.

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Team Girl Power’s dishes are presented for the judges’ approval.

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L-r Judges Winston Hayle, Brittney Bodden and Kerry Akinibosun.

Heroes Day Honorees

Heroes Day Parade