Barbados Philadelphia Chef Exchange July 10 - 17, 2005

Three award-winning chefs from Barbados are packing their recipes and heading to popular restaurants in Philadelphia for the "Taste of Barbados Chef Exchange," scheduled for July 10 - 17, 2005. Reservations can be booked at Bluezette and Matyson restaurants to sample amazing Bajan cuisine from a selection of Barbados' own top chefs.

Executive Chef Jason Gittens from Pisces Restaurant in Barbados will be at Matyson Restaurant Monday, July 11 through Thursday, July 14. Gittens, who specializes in Bajan-style seadood, will be preparing special Bajan-flavored five-course tasting dinner menus each night. Chef de Cuisine Henderson Butcher of the Savannah Hotel in Barbados will be cooking at Bluezette on Thursday, July 14; Friday, July 15; and Saturday, July 16. Butcher, who recognized his calling to his chosen profession while assisting in his family restaurant, is highly skilled in the preparation and presentation of dishes which resemble more a form of art than a mere meal. Executive Pastry Chef Ezra Beckles, of the Turtle Beach Resort on Barbados' South Coast, will be cooking unique Bajan desserts at both restaurants. Beckles, a master pastry artist, was formally trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and is now the Staff Pastry Trainer for the Elegant Hotels Group in Barbados, and Pastry Chef Trainer at the Barbados Hospitality Institute.

The Barbados Tourism Authority along with Bon Appetit magazine is sponsoring the Chef Exchange, which is part of Barbados Week Philadelphia 2005, July 10 - 17, a week of activities celebrating Barbadian culture.

For reservations:
Bluezette, 215.627.3866 (246 Market Street, Philadelphia)

Matyson Restaurant, 215.564.2925 (37 S. 19th Street, Philadelphia)


For any updates, please go to http://www.visitbarbados.org/pressroom/news.aspx.

Barbados, the most easterly of the Caribbean islands, is popular for its natural beauty, its historic attractions, beaches, water sports, golf courses, fine dining and incredible nightlife. The island is known for its warm, friendly people and wide range of accommodations. For further information on Barbados, call the Barbados Tourism Authority at 800-221-9831, or log onto www.visitbarbados.org.

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