As part of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO’s) Caribbean Week festivities taking place in New York City, May 31 - June 5, 2004, 20 chefs from world-class resorts and restaurants around the region will participate in the Celebrity Chef Programme and spice up the week’s activities with a mix of culinary creativity and tropical flavours.
Through the Celebrity Chef Programme, the Caribbean chefs will prepare and showcase their signature dishes and culinary styles at these Caribbean Week events:  the Picnic in the Park following the Interfaith Celebration on Memorial Day, May 31; the Travel Journalist Media Marketplace on June 1; the Caribbean Fair on June 2; and the 31st Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball, taking place on June 4. 

In addition to being featured at select Caribbean Week events, the chefs will conduct in-store cooking demonstrations at two major New York City department stores on Tues., June 1 through Sat., June 5, 2004.

Select chefs will also participate in a series of country-themed culinary nights at Bambou Restaurant, located at 243 East 14th Street, Tues., June 1 through Thurs., June 3, 2004.  Each night, chefs will work as teams with other celebrity chefs from their respective countries to prepare dishes and add their personal touch, flavours, and flair to the Caribbean-themed menu at this famed New York City restaurant.

“We know our celebrity chefs will present the most enticing recipes the region has to offer,” said Hugh Riley, CTO’s director of marketing for the Americas. 

“We consider the 20 chefs in the programme to be ‘celebrities’ because each one exhibits extensive culinary experience and strong knowledge of their trade. Their participation in Caribbean Week activities, including the in-store cooking demonstrations, will allow New Yorkers and visitors to learn about Caribbean food preparation as well as sample many fine delicacies,” he added.

“There has been a tremendous show of support from our public and private sector members for this year’s Celebrity Chef Programme,” noted Riley.

“We applaud the Celebrity Chefs for taking advantage of this opportunity to showcase their culinary talents, and we are look forward to having them here for a successful and rewarding week of Caribbean culture, flair and flavours.”

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