Total number of persons that we prepared for was 65 however 45 were present. 15 Vehicles were on site at the end of the day.
WE departed UWI South entrance after a briefing and prayer and arrived on site approximately 10:30. Tents were pitched and pots were on stoves, concrete blocks, and stones and fires lit at approx 11:15.
Those with gas ranges had no problem getting their fires lit, however those that brought selected fire wood, as in the case of Paul and Roy had their share of problems. This fire wood is supposed to add a special flavor to the pot. This is what I was told and after using much of NEC reserves to get their special wood lit, it was even more worries to maintain the heat under the pot. In other instances, chefs that chose the wet bamboo had no problem putting the heat on.
Special judges were assigned to observe, and at the end, judge the better or the best of the many combination of dishes.
With pots bubbling, curry aroma filling the entire forested area and Paul now reduced to using “gardian paper” under the pot as fuel and clearly demonstrating his skill in cooking kangaroo is very proud at this point about training Frankie son on the art of new wave cooking. Poor soul, I am sorry for that young child, now being exposed to that lifestyle is scared for life. Frankie call me I can arrange some kind of help for him. All is not lost.
The battle brewed and the “peekong” accompanied every minute of the day from all, men and women alike and by this time Sheldon got his ground provision cleaned and began selecting stones from the river for constructing his fireside. Of course it is with help from his 86 year old grand mom. She advise people on every thing from foundation to finish and a little more. It seemed as though she had her own “maticoore” lime with the attentive ears of ALL the women and loud giggling and laughter emanating, there was no room for the men not even Raymond could have penetrated that gathering.
Everyone feasted on the goat ( kangaroo), duck, chicken, Bar-Bar- Que, oildown, Bus-up-shot, Pumpkin(Tractor paint), fish, fries, green salad, Mother-in-law, last but not least roast / fried pork and the judges decisions were final.
During the prize giving ceremony medals were awarded to the women folks for their contributions in teaching the men the “do’s and don’ts” of cooking. Each chef presented medals to their wife, or mother after the judges decision was made. The following was the result.
Menu 1st. Place 2nd. Place
Curry Goat Calvin Paul
Curry Chicken Calvin Frankie
Curry Duck Roy / Roll ----------- No decision on this one by the judges. Tied for first
Bar-Bar-Que Bisessar Raymond
Green Salad Gauph Gary
Fish Keith ---------
Oildown Sheldon / Raffick-------- No decision on this also.
In addition to the awards ceremony, (this results will be posted later), river bathing was also included in the days event by some members. I need to apologize to Raymond at this time since his International B-B-Q did not cut it with the judges and the foreign taste need to be acquired by our locals. More work is needed in this area. Sorry Raymond.
Feedback from those attended indicated that the event was enjoyable and from my evaluation I have seem members and their families become more interactive. This I believe is in keeping with our overall objective.
I would like to thank all those that contributed in what ever way in making this event successful. Thanks to Gary, Calvin, Sheldon, Paul, Gauph, Frankie, Shane, Roll Roy, Raymond, Trevor, Keith, Vishal, Fareed, and also a special thank you to Mr, Bridgemohan who met us at UWI and his donation for the days event.
If for any reason I forgot to mention any one, please excuse me.
Thank you and God Bless. Raff.
...and here are the photos of the great day...
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