Taste of Cayman 2014 judged a success!

By all accounts the 2014 Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival, held on Saturday, 8 February at the Festival Green, Camana Bay, can be deemed a success.  From the 4000-plus attendance figure to the positive response of the crowd toward local act Swanky Kitchen Band and tribute band ABBA MANIA to the enthusiasm of the restaurants and vendors as they offered up their culinary creations to willing partakers, it would appear that the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) staged another winning fundraiser event.

“We cannot be more pleased with how the 26th annual Taste of Cayman Festival came off this year,” said Jane van der Bol, Executive Director of CITA. “From our sponsors and vendors to the bands, the volunteers and of course our patrons, a good time was enjoyed by everyone.  The event was truly a night of food, wine, entertainment and memories, and I would like to thank the entire Cayman community for its support of the island’s largest culinary event, and CITA’s biggest annual fundraiser.  Congratulations also to the winners of the Best Of Competition and the heavy cake, mixology and Chef Cook-Off competitions.”

Cayman’s Favourite Restaurant, as voted on by Taste of Cayman attendees, was Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink (MGFD) for the second year in a row.  Serving crispy lionfish sandwiches, kimchi and pork belly quesadillas, homemade Snickers candy bars and popcorn ice cream, the excitement of the team at the MGFD booth probably contributed to their popularity with Festival-goers.

“We are thrilled to have won Cayman’s favourite restaurant for the second year in a row,” said Jessica Cohen, Manager at MGFD.  “This award was all thanks to the thousands of people who stopped by our booth and tried the amazing food that our chefs put out this year.  We wouldn’t have won if it wasn’t for our magnetic and energetic staff that made everyone who stopped by feel special.”

Best Of Competition

The Best of Competition was judged by four individuals, and done anonymously.

1.         Best Food: Periwinkle, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman – Smoked Zucchini and Burrata-filled Ravioli with a Pickled Tomato Verge

2.         Best Dessert: Thai Orchid – Sticky Toffee Pudding

3.         Best Drink: Wreck Bar, Rum Point Club – Mudslides

4.         Best Booth: Breezes by the Bay/Cimboco/Chicken!Chicken!

Mixology Competition

Sponsored by Seven Fathoms Rum, the Cayman Rum Challenge put local bartenders to the test.  Ten contestants created a signature cocktail using at least one Cayman Spirits Company product in order to advance.  Their concoctions were judged on name, balance, simplicity, taste, originality, presentation and performance.  Five semi-finalists were tasked with creating a second cocktail on the spot using chocolate, the “mystery ingredient” that was revealed at the start of the finals.  The winners were:

1.         Angel Robledo – Coconut  Joe’s

2.         Jernej Zavadlav – Mizu

3.         Leonardi Caraballo – Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort

There was also a flair bartending competition following the mixology contest, and the winners in that event were:

1.         Lachlan Morris – Royal Palms

2.         Jono Firstbrook – O Bar

3.         Angel Robledo – Coconut  Joe’s

The Lionfish Chef Cook-Off was also a popular attraction in the All Things Cayman area as people crowded around to see the unique ways in which this predator and invasive species could be cooked and served.  Two judges were chosen from the audience and in the end Chefs Ron Hargrave from Tukka Restaurant and Steve Shienfield from Marketstreet Group (Mizu, Waterfront, Duke’s) emerged victorious in a tie.

Heavy Cake Competition

The heavy cake competition was contested by six proud bakers and judged by Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, Rosa Harris from the Department of Tourism and Tourism Ambassador Anitha Velusamy.   Ingrid Bodden walked away with the first place title and $300 and Ellen Peguero’s sweet treat earned her a second place finish and $150.  Tammy Seymour’s contribution won third place and a prize of $50.  Patrons were able to sample the cakes after the judging concluded.

The 2014 Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival was sponsored by Camana Bay, Z99, Rooster 101, Blackbeard’s, Big Daddy’s, Heineken, Appleton, Vibe FM, Spin 94.9, Hew’s Hotel & Restaurant Supplies, WestStar, Massive, Cayman Airways and Flava.

About the Cayman Islands Tourism Association:

CITA is an not for profit independent body comprised of private tourism sector businesses that band together to market, develop and support the destination. The over 250 members represent the full spectrum of the tourism industry from watersports, restaurants, hotels, condos & villas and allied members such as services, financial and those in arts and entertainment.

The CITA is governed by a volunteer board of directors who provide leadership and guidance to the association. Members have opportunities to meet regularly, network, share knowledge and experiences for the betterment of the Cayman Islands tourism product.

The association was formed in March 2001 through an amalgamation of the Restaurant Association, the Watersports Association and the Cayman Islands Hotel and Condominium Association and this year marks CITA’s 13th Anniversary. CITA is wholly funded by membership subscriptions and fundraising and the group actively promotes the continuing improvement and development of Cayman’s tourism industry through the exchange of information, Government Relations, training and education, marketing, and events.

Visit www.cita.ky for more information.