The Young Chefs Cooking Club hosted a food tasting event at the Audi Showroom on Oxford Road in Kingston last Saturday. The event was to showcase the talents of the children involved, as they demonstrated the culinary skills they gained throughout the year and was hosted by Toni-Ann Thompson, who presented the members of the club to those in attendance. Club participants were presented with their certificates by Chilean ambassador to Jamaica, Eduardo Bonilla.

Each member received three certificates which included food safety and knife usage. During the presentation, slides depicted the children working as well as work done by them throughout the year.  

Supporters, parents, and friends were not left out, as they were able to treat themselves to finger foods such as hors d’ouevres, fruits and biscuits. In addition, wines from Chile and fruit juice were available to keep the masses cool and refreshed.

After the presentation, each child rushed to his/her respective work station, eager to showcase their talent and what was taught to them.  All were invited from the outside to watch these young chefs at work and sample their masterpieces.

There was sheer excitement on the faces of many and proud parents gathered at each station to witness the children at their best. It was clear that everyone was excited and anxious to taste the food prepared, as lines were formed at each station.

 Some of the dishes prepared by the children were: chicken steak, crepe, seafood pasta, and omelettes.

One patron, who sampled the seafood pasta said, “It was really good; Delicious Occasions’ food is always good”.

Organiser of the event and by extension the Young Chefs Club, Latoya Panton, said she was very proud of the children and the turnout. She also added that it was a nice way to end the term. Latoya Panton is also the executive chef and managing director at Delicious Occasions.

“I love my job, now that it’s mid-term break I don’t know what I’ll do, as summer school will not begin until the end of June”, said Panton. She went on to say, “If it’s one thing I teach to the children who become a part of this club is not to be fearful, but to be careful”. I show them how to hold their knives and teach them the importance of food safety. With this mantra I relieve not only the fears of the children but those of the parents as well,” ended Panton.

Plans for the future of this club includes, implementing the club in preparatory schools, continuing to maintain their vegetable garden, which is a major source of vegetables for the children to use and to participate in the Jamaica Observer Food Awards.  Also, in the summer these lucky young chefs will be able to operate their own restaurant for one night.