The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Culinary Team is gearing up to represent the territory at the highly anticipated 2025 Taste of the Caribbean competition, scheduled to take place in Barbados from November 16-18. This prestigious event, hosted annually by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), brings together the region’s most skilled chefs, pastry artists, and bartenders to showcase their talent and creativity in a series of challenging culinary contests.
The Premier Caribbean Culinary Showcase
Taste of the Caribbean is recognized as the Caribbean’s premier culinary competition and a vital educational exchange for food and beverage professionals. It serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse gastronomy of the region and foster professional development, offering opportunities for training, idea exchange, and networking. The 2025 edition will see national teams from numerous Caribbean destinations, including Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Belize, Bonaire, Curaçao, Grenada, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia, Turks & Caicos Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, competing across Senior Chef, Junior Chef, Pastry Chef, and Bartender categories. The event culminates with the Taste of the Caribbean Awards, recognizing excellence in various culinary fields. This year, the competition will be held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle All-Inclusive Resort.
Taste of the Caribbean runs concurrently with the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). CHIEF is CHTA’s premier educational and networking event for hospitality professionals, focusing on innovation, leadership, and strategies to address current tourism challenges, with this year’s theme being “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World”.
Meet the USVI Culinary Representatives
Leading the charge for the U.S. Virgin Islands is a trio of accomplished culinary professionals. Executive Chef Brady Sweet, owner of Café Amici, brings a unique background that includes a Guinness World Record for the “world’s largest calzone”. Sweet has also held significant roles at establishments like Havana Blue, Sandbar, and PRIME at Paradise Point, and recently revived Café Amici under his ownership.
Returning for his second year is Pastry Chef Azamat Sabyrkulov, an internationally recognized artisan. Originally from Kazakhstan, Sabyrkulov has honed his skills at renowned hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi before leading the pastry team at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. He is a decorated artist, having won first place at the 2016 World Skills Kazakhstan Pastry Competition, and specializes in cake artistry and chocolate design.
Rounding out the team is Bartender Kealoni “KJ” Richards, lead mixologist at Ambiance Cocktail Lounge. Richards, a native of St. Croix, has ascended from a dishwasher to a respected craft cocktail expert, refining his skills at various venues and focusing on a mixology style that blends creativity, balance, and warmth, aiming to imbue “a lot of love and a little magic” into each creation.
USVI’s Culinary Ambitions and the Broader Food Scene
The U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association (USVIHTA) has sponsored the territory’s participation in Taste of the Caribbean for 14 years, underscoring a long-standing commitment to showcasing local talent. USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton expressed confidence in the team, stating, “For 14 years, our culinary team has raised the bar higher, and this year is no exception. With the incredible talent and dedication of Brady, Azamat and KJ, the USVI Culinary Team is ready to make its mark and bring home the gold”.
The U.S. Virgin Islands boasts a dynamic and evolving culinary scene, blending African, European, and Indigenous influences. Its gastronomy features farm-to-table freshness and ocean-to-plate seafood traditions, with St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix each offering distinct culinary personalities. The territory’s commitment to elevating its food culture has been recognized recently, with St. Croix being named “Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year” in 2025 travel awards.
Events like Taste of the Caribbean are instrumental in promoting the region as a top culinary destination, attracting travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences and contributing significantly to local economies and global perceptions of Caribbean food and hospitality. The USVI Culinary Team’s participation this year is poised to highlight the islands’ rich flavors, innovative techniques, and dedication to culinary excellence on a regional and international stage.
The team’s journey and preparation are supported by various sponsors, including the USVI Tourism Department and Cruzan Rum, enabling them to compete and proudly represent their islands.