Observer Food Awards Chef On The Rise 2016

Thoroughly enjoyed working with the Jamaica Yellow pages on this project which involved traversing the island with nine of Jamaica's talented young chefs sampling fare from hot Jamaican restaurants & food spots - among them Holland Bamboo for some of Musso's Curry Goat ,  Coconut Curry Shrimp at Allshmars in Port Morant, Steamed Fish at Anglers in St Anns Bay  & Jerk Pork from G& B in Buff Bay. 

This year, Pop Up Gourmet Jamaica was charged with the responsibility of identifying and selecting the participants for this year's Observer Food Awards Chef On The Rise Competition and co-producing the judging event by sponsors the Jamaica Yellow Pages.  It was a challenge which we happily took on and set about our research in earnest; the criteria - young unknown but talented chefs passionate about their craft. 

The Participants

Chef Shevan Timoll

Chef Lucian Dunn

Chef Ricardo Allen

Chef Volae Williams

Chef Damario Swaby

Chef Richardo Kirby

Chef Sheldon Rattigan

Chef Rannoy HC Davis

Chef Christine Edwards

For almost three weeks we worked closely with these chefs traversing the entire island with Coaching Executive Chef George Matthews stopping and tasting dishes at nine of Jamaica's hidden food gems. The Chefs Challenge - to re-create one of the dishes sampled at one of our nine food stops putting their own twist on that dish. Who got which dish? This was decided by a drawing of location after the last stop.

Trip Highlights

The Judging Event @ the Spanish Court Hotel

The three finalists were Volae Willimas (1st place), Ricardo Allen (2nd place) & Lucian Dunn (3rd place). There were no losers here. Twas indeed a pleasure working with these very talented chefs who were said to be the best bunch yet in this competition!