Nevis’ Chefs Showcase Delicacies at NICHE 2007
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
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(Charlestwon; Nevis): Local and foreign chefs working in hotels and restaurants in Nevis showcased gourmet lunches and dinner that are uniquely Nevisian, during the three-day 3rd annual NICHE (Nevis International Culinary Heritage Exposition).
Visitors to NICHE 2007’s first experience were a welcome party on Friday, October 19th from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Oualie Beach Resort. Award winning Jason Bishop, the resort’s executive chef conducted a cookery demonstration.
On Saturday, October 20th, 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the visitors had the exceptional experience of learning about Caribbean fruits and vegetables. They were guided through a local farmer, Mervin “Mansa” Tyson’s small holding. The visitors later strolled across to a beach side restaurant to watch the local ingredients being demonstrated for use in the lunch that immediately followed.
Cooking demonstrations of some of the local ingredients was demonstrated by local chefs – Delroy “Iroy” Pinney who prepared Ital Rice; Candice Browne who prepared a chicken Roti while “Mansa” prepared a local fish dish.
The fun packed event continued on Saturday evening with a night to remember at the world renowned Four Seasons Resort. “Chefs of Nevis” displayed and served Caribbean Cuisine with International Flair to guests. Bruno Corrrea, Executive Chef of Four Seasons Resort Nevis, and Curtis Smithen, Executive Chef of Four Seasons Resort Exuma, lead the team of chefs. The event was well attended by the visitors and residents in Nevis.
The final event in NICHE 2007 was a gourmet lunch in a tranquil setting on Sunday. Executive chefs from four of the Plantation Inns of Nevis - Janice Ryan of Montpelier, Lovie Boddie of Hermitage, Antonia Piani of Nisbet, and Lynn Williams of Old Manor, prepared a four course feast that delighted all taste buds served in the exquisite surroundings of the Botanical Gardens of Nevis.
At all the functions, local musicians played refreshing Nevisian tunes in the background.
A major new highlight at NICHE 2007 is the launch of a scholarship fund that will enable a Nevisian student, interested in pursuing a career in the culinary field, to attend a selected institution offering courses at degree level.
A silent auction was held during the three days of NICHE, the proceeds of which will be the basis of the fund. NICHE is coordinated by Nevis Tourism Authority. This year’s sponsors included Brinley Gold Rum, Driftwood, Les Grands Vins De France, Rams, TDC and Winair.
Senior Analyst Winair, Denicio Richardson, said in an interview that Winair continued to be a premier carrier in Nevis, “We wanted to be part of NICHE to show our support.”
Currently Winair has three flights per day to Nevis. From October 29th, there will be four flights per day. “There are lots of people looking for this kind of destination because of the peace and tranquillity,” Richardson noted and urged Nevis to avoid mass tourism.
“Maintain tranquillity and avoid mass tourism. St. Martin used to be a quality destination,” Richardson cautioned.
Photos: SKNVibes.com captured some of NICHE 2007 activities in pictures.
