Our 2023 National Final of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs Competition was held at Bermuda College. Three young chefs had entered this invaluable experience: Anthony Daponte Sousa represented Hamilton Princess; Leanna Estis and Navar Dacosta represented Huckleberry.

In accordance with the rules, their challenge was to create a three-course meal using a “mystery basket” plus other ingredients. Before diving into the cooking process, 30 minutes was allocated to write a menu. They then had three and a half hours bring their vision to life.

Christopher Malpas, Executive Chef at the Bank of Butterfield Group, was in charge of selecting the mystery basket ingredients which were generously donated by Butterfield & Vallis.

Kitchen judging was skilfully executed by Chef Shaun Ming, Head Culinary Instructor at Bermuda College, to whom we express our gratitude for providing the venue for this event. Also for the three culinary students who assisted the young chefs by procuring equipment, cleaning dishes, and delivering the plates for judging.

Tasting judges included Josée Roy-Froncioni, Tenika Eve, Simon Carruthers, Philippe Froncioni, James Davis, and Jack Rhind.

Following the accumulation of points from both tasting judges and kitchen judge, the results were not immediately revealed. This was reserved for our Chapitre on Saturday, May 13th, when the three young chefs attended a reception at the Hamilton Princess Hotel.

After the Induction Ceremony, Anthony Da Ponte Sousa from the Hamilton Princess Hotel was declared the winner. All three chefs received participation medals for their outstanding performance.

As winner, Anthony will represent Bermuda in the International Final to be held in Istanbul, Turkey in early October. We extend our best wishes to him and have every confidence that he will proudly represent Bermuda gaining valuable knowledge and experience throughout the process.

Adapted from a detailed report prepared by Jack Rhind, Chargé de Presse Honoraire