The Mango &Pineapple Magic Menu competition set for August 8th, at the Antigua & Barbuda, Hospitality, Training Institute (ABHTI), will be open to public viewing this year for the first time,. 

Madeleine McComas, chairperson of the Magic Mango & Pineapple Committee, said events are planned to bring members of the public to ABHTI on that day. 

She noted that the committee is targeting approximately 300 individuals.

In addition to the Chefs and Bartenders competitions, which will be held this year in the Demo Kitchen building, “we are planning to have senior (non-competing) chefs do cooking demonstrations out on the lawn for the public to see and taste.” 

She noted that, to this end 26 chefs have been registration for the competition. Last year, 11, competed.

They are from Hermitage Bay, Jumby Bay, Carlisle Bay, The Beach Restaurant, Blue Waters, Trade Winds Bay House Restaurant, Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Galley Bay.

There are 16 registrations for the Bartenders Competition. Last year we had 6. They are from Hermitage Bay, Carlisle Bay, Sandals, The Beach Restaurant, Blue Waters, Trade Winds Bay House Restaurant, Jolly Beach, Sticky Wicket Restaurant and Galley Bay.

“It seems the hotels are really backing us this year, and looking for ways to give their people experience in competitions. The Antigua culinary team won a silver medal at Taste of the Caribbean, a chefs and bartenders competition which was held in Puerto Rico a couple of weeks ago,” she explained.

A Mango Pineapple workshop is set for July 9th at Cades Bay.  So far, several other activities are being planned through the Ministry of Agriculture,Lands, Housing & The Environment, one of which is the highlight at Christian Valley, August 15 & 16.

A prize will also be given to the best farmer.