32nd Annual Bahamas Young Chef Culinary Competition Kicks Off with District Finals [2024]

NP Senior High Young Chef Preliminaries:-

 Middle Sr. 1st Place - Kahree Bowe, 

Kingsway Academy; Amina Eneas, Akhepran Academy, 

Gabryela Green, Doris Johnson (Blue jacket)

New Providence, Bahamas – December 5, 2024 – The 32nd Annual Young Chef Competition commenced with the district competitions, highlighting the culinary talents of New Providence high school students specializing in Family and Consumer Science, as well as Hospitality and Tourism studies. Ten (10) students competed for a spot in the final round, with five (5) advancing to the national competition, where they will face off against finalists from other Bahamian islands.

In the Junior Division, Harshini Jagroo of D.W. Davis Junior High School impressed the judges with her Mahatma Rice dish, earning an outstanding score of 594, as well as 558 for her Robin Hood Flour dish. Her exceptional performance earned her first place, while Gloria Dorsett of Akhepran International Academy took second with a total of 545.20 for her Mahatma Rice dish and 500 for her Robin Hood Flour dish. Both students will represent New Providence in the Annual Young Chef Culinary Competition, set for January 2025.

The New Providence Junior Semi-Finals took place on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at A.F. Adderley Junior High School.

In the Senior Division, the competition grew fierce as students vied for a spot in the top 3. Head Chef Gerald Rolle commended the students for their creativity and skill, noting that it was one of the most competitive senior divisions in recent years. First-year Young Chef Judge Alfred Williams, now retired, urged the students to perfect their craft and leverage it as a source of income, emphasizing the lucrative opportunities within the culinary industry.

Ultimately, Kahree Bowe, a Family and Consumer Science student from Kingsway Academy, emerged victorious with an impressive total of 835 points – 406.5 for her Mahatma Rice dish and 428.5 for her Robin Hood Flour dish.

Second place went to Amina Eneas representing Home School, who won the 2023 Young Chef Junior Championship, earning 826 points (420 for her rice dish and 406 for her flour dish). Third place was claimed by Gabryela Green from Doris Johnson Senior High, with a total of 790.50 points (398.5 for rice and 392 for flour).

Amina Eneas, Homeschool

Chef Addienae Farrington, Chef Edwin Johnson, Chef Chea, Chef Celeste Smith, Chef Hazel Rolle made up the esteemed panel of judges. This year, new judges were added to the team; Chef Alfred Williams, Chef Rashad Davis, Chef Deandra McDonald, offering fresh perspectives and valuable insights throughout the competition.

All five students who advanced from the district competition will now proceed to the national round, where finalists from around The Bahamas will compete in New Providence in January 2025.