Photo: Patrons visiting the demonstration booth sample the dasheen-inspired appetizers made by former Blue Food winner and creator of the Taste of Tobago Blue Food Recipe Book, Yzanne Williams-Chance.

SCARBOROUGH, Tobago (October 16, 2013): Heavy rains didn’t dampen the spirits of the cooks of Bloody Bay, L’Anse Fourmi and Parlatuvier who braved the weather conditions to showcase their talent at the 15th annual Tobago Blue Food Festival.

The adverse weather also failed to deter thousands of patrons who made the trek to Bloody Bay village to sample the unique dasheen dishes being prepared. Visitors to the festival had the opportunity to excite their taste buds with signature creations such as dasheen pizza, dasheen cheese cake, dasheen tarts and even dasheen wine.

Amidst the rain, the vocals of calypso legend, Baron; soca veteran, Ronnie McIntosh; and Tobagonian crooner, Oscar B rang out in the valley, providing ample entertainment for the enthusiastic crowd. But as usual, it was the Blue Food Cooks Competition that stole the show.

Sharlene John, winner of the Most Creative Dasheen Dish in last year’s competition, made an impressive showing this year. She claimed the titles of Best Overall Dasheen Dish & Cook of the Day, Most Innovative Dasheen Dish and Best Table Display. Both Carlton Campbell and Patricia Shepherd reclaimed their titles in the categories of Best Dasheen Beverage and Best Dasheen Dessert respectively. While Alana Blake topped the category of Best Baked Dasheen Dish.


Photo: Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation, Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, presents a Founder of Blue Food award to Mr. Barrington Nedd.

In addition to recognizing the spectacular cuisine that was prepared, the festival’s founders received special acknowledgment in honour of Blue Food’s 15-year anniversary. Deputy Chief Secretary and Secretary of Tourism and Transportation, Assemblyman Tracy Davidson-Celestine, presented ‘Founder of Blue Food’ awards to the persons behind the success of one of Tobago’s most popular events. The Secretary took the opportunity to commend the recipients for their sterling contribution and unwavering commitment that has assured the continued growth of the festival.

Congratulations were also offered to former Blue Food champion, Yzanne Williams-Chance, for her recently launched Taste of Tobago Blue Food Recipe Book.

The Tobago Blue Food Festival remains one of the many initiatives through which the Tobago House of Assembly increases the island’s visibility in the local, regional and international tourism market.  The annual festival consistently presents an opportunity to promote Destination Tobago, stimulate economic activity within the tourism business unit and showcase to the world the island’s mouthwatering signature delicacies.

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TOBAGO BLUE FOOD FESTIVAL 2013 WINNERS

Best Overall Dasheen Dish & Cook of the Day
Sharlene John
Name of Dish: Dasheen Aloo Key

Most Innovative Dasheen Dish                                                    
Sharlene John
Name of Dish: Dasheen Aloo Key

Best Dasheen Dessert                                                                                                                                                        
Patricia Shepherd
Name of Dish: Dasheen Tart topped with Dasheen Ice Cream

Best Dasheen Beverage                                                     
Carlton Campbell
Name of Dish: Dasheen Wine

Best Baked Dasheen Dish                                                                                                                                     
Alana Blake
Name of Dish: Dasheen Cheesecake topped with Dasheen Compote

Best Table Display                                                                        
Sharlene John