COCONUT BAY CELEBRATES FIRST INDEPENDENCE “CAKE BOSS”

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa congratulates Chef Ronald Estephane on winning the inaugural NRDF/SLHTA Independence Cake Challenge held on February 21, 2015. This marks another victory and demonstration of excellence within the resort’s culinary department. Chef Ronald’s competition included five other participants representing Capella and Sugar Beach Resorts as well as three NRDF trainees.

Chef Ronald’s submission for the two day competition was an eight-tier passionfruit cake with Coco Rum gel. The “champion” cake captured the theme of transition from bananas to the tourism industry and was an instant favourite as the impressive and well-thought-out concept was presented in an elaborate and effective manner.

The cake was constructed with three sections: the bottom third of the cake portrayed the marine bio-diversity of our nation while the middle represented the lands used for growing bananas. This mid-section, which was a vertical cylindrical shape, was used to mount the top section of the cake which depicted a cruise ship as a representative element of the tourism industry. The face of Sir John Compton, Father of our Nation, was air-brushed on the ship’s funnel.

Chef Ronald Estephane, usually a quiet and reserved gentleman, was ecstatic with his win and stated: “I see my success in the Independence Cake Challenge serving as an inspiration for young chefs especially trainees of NRDF and the staff at Coconut Bay. I will celebrate this achievement and continue to improve my culinary expertise while advancing the interests of my country whenever opportunities are available.”

As the winner of the first NRDF/SLHTA Independence Cake Challenge, Chef Ronald is entitled to participate in a one week all-expenses-paid internship at Johnson and Wales University in the USA.

Chef Ronald is not resting on his laurels in celebration. He returned over the past week from participation in the inaugural Barbados Chocolate Festival which was held on March 7th, 2015 along with the hotel’s Executive Chef. This event provided an opportunity to further exhibit his fine pastry skills.

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa congratulates and salutes Chef Ronald – St. Lucia’s official “Cake Boss”.