The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) will host four free online developmental workshops for the Culinary Arts competition, ahead of the 2021 staging of the competition cycle. The workshops will run from Monday, April 12, through to Thursday, April 15, beginning 3:30 p.m. each day in the preparation for Jamaica’s premier culinary arts competition.

A signature programme on the JCDC’s annual calendar, the Jamaica Culinary Arts Competition and Exhibition has aimed to hone the skills and knowledge of chefs, winemakers and other culinary entrepreneurs across the island for over five decades.

The workshops will cover specific details of Culinary Arts including but not limited to knife skills, garnishing techniques, recipe writing  and cake decorating to name a few. The sessions will be hosted live via Zoom and on the JCDC’s Youtube and Facebook pages.

Jane Jerry, culinary arts specialist at the JCDC, noted that in addition to preparing potential participants for the upcoming competition, creativity and originality will be the focus. She explained that all the steps for assessment will be carried out virtually as a result of COVID-19 protocols. “The need for continued social distancing caused by this pandemic has made it especially challenging for the creative community, particularly those in the culinary arts to maintain and express their craft.

“Workshop participants can expect to learn from culinary experts about the new Culinary Handbook, a guide aimed at helping aspiring Culinary champions on their journey to showcasing their delectable works; an outline of this year’s competition; and invaluable information on how best to prepare themselves for entry,” Jerry added.

The workshops may be viewed on the JCDC’s Facebook page: Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, or on the JCDC’s Youtube page: JCDC Jamaica. Persons who would like to participate in the workshops via Zoom may contact the JCDC at 876-926-5726 for the daily link.