[Front Row 5th from Left] L'Azure's Chef Antonio Sivers with the Barbados National Culinary Team]
Recently, one of L'Azure's very own Sous Chefs - Antonio Sivers - was given the prestigious honour of being selected to join the national culinary team and represent Barbados at the 2014 Taste of the Caribbean competition, which took place at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida from June 28 to July 2.
Over the past few months, culinary pros from all over Barbados were vying for a spot on the national culinary team. Their selection was based on the 2013 National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) Competition and the Rums of Barbados Master Mixer Competition.
Barbados successfully earned eleven awards including the Caribbean Team of the Year Silver Medal in the annual competition which is staged by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA).
Antonio, who previously represented The Crane at the island's annual Food, Wine & Rum Festival in November 2012 has led a predominantly culinary existence from an early age. Son of the owners of the popular Tony's Snack Bar & Restaurant (a local eatery), his first steps were made in the kitchen.
Initially skeptical of following in the all too obvious path of his parents, Antonio applied to the Barbados Community College to pursue studies in Accounting and Computer Studies. As fate would have it, he was accepted to complete a course of study in his second choice - Culinary Arts - and he has not looked back since.
Today, his days are spent in the busy kitchen of L'Azure Restaurant. Famous for its ocean views and mouth watering dishes, L'Azure is the perfect match for Sous Chef Antonio, who enjoys preparing a variety of seafood dishes and creating delectable recipes drawing from Classical French, Italian and Caribbean cuisine.
The Management & Staff of The Crane wish to congratulate Antonio and the entire Barbados National Culinary team on their stellar achievement!