Stichting Bonaire Culinair is a proud supporter of the Bonaire Culinary Team, empowering them to showcase Bonaire’s culinary artistry at the Taste of the Caribbean event in Miami from November 18-20, 2024. This prestigious competition highlights the region’s finest chefs, bartenders, and pastry artists, and the Bonaire team, backed by Stichting Bonaire Culinair, will join other top Caribbean destinations in vying for awards like Caribbean Chef of the Year. Taste of the Caribbean offers not just competition but a lively celebration of Caribbean cuisine, with interactive workshops, tastings, and cultural showcases that connect attendees with the authentic flavors and spirit of the Caribbean.
We are thrilled to announce that Rhashindra, Akeesha, Elise, and Eddy will proudly represent Bonaire at the prestigious ‘Taste of the Caribbean’ competition from November 18-20, 2024, at the Kovens Conference Center in Miami. This talented team of culinary artists, coached by Floris van Loo, is ready to showcase the unique flavors, creativity, and culture that Bonaire has to offer on a global stage. Exito!
For more details on the competition and event schedule visit https://www.caribjournal.com/2024/10/16/taste-of-the-caribbean-coming-back-2024/.
Floris Van Loo
Team coach
Owner Restaurant Rum Runners
Floris van Loo have been part of the Bonaire Culinary Team (BCT) in various roles since 2005. This year’s competition brings a new challenge: preparing a team of chefs and a bartender and securing finances in record time for the Taste of the Caribbean Culinary and Bartender Competition. This “battleground” hosts an average of 16 other Caribbean nations, making every year special—but this year is something truly unique!
Akeesha Cicilia
Junior Chef
Akeesha Cicilia, our junior chef, finished VMBO last year and excelled during her internship at Sweeti Bakery, where she continued working afterwards. Akeesha is the next in a long line of MBO students who joined the Team in the past. Following in the footsteps of Akira, Josue, Juan, Max, Ronald, Giovannie and Waldi, to mention some.
We are proud that Akeesha is part of our team and know that her enthousiasm and dynamic will help her on this first time culinary experience. Go girl!!!
Elise Weerstand
Pastry Chef
Owner Sweeti Bakery & Blue Lagun Cafe
Elise Weerstand our pastry chef, is well known on Bonaire for Sweeti Bakery and Blue Lagoon Cafe. Two times gold medal winner at ’the Taste’ in 2019, going back to defend het title.
Pusher and backbone of the Bonaire Culinary Team. Full of energy and creativity. She doesn’t really like sugar but is a master working with it. Do your magic girl!
Rhashindra Donge
Senior Chef
A perfectionist in what she does, because it is her passion. “Reaching my goals is often not easy, and many times the objective is not easy, but I always give my best to achieve success. I have surrounded myself with good people who have greatly contributed to my personal and professional life.”
Eddy Trenidad
Bartender
“My name is Eddy Trenidad, but in the hospitality industry they know me as “Sir Eddy”. I’m a passionate bartender who has always strived for perfection—both in service and in cocktail creation. The next challenge is to bring home the Gold with flavors nobody has ever tasted before using only fresh island ingredients.”
Our Sponsors & Partners
Without our sponsors and partners we would simply not have the resources to organize Bonaire Culinair.
