TALENT
Meet your Chefs & Mixologists
Wandile Mabaso
Chef Wandile Mabaso is a creative food artist full of global experiences. He has a vast international experience and has worked with internationally renowned Chefs in Michelin star restaurants in New York and Paris.
Classically trained in French cuisine, he currently specialises in contemporary French haute cuisine, where only the finest luxury ingredients are used and treated with extreme perfection in the most bespoke settings.
Today, Chef Wandile Mabaso is the owner of Les Créatifs Restaurant, which is shaking up the Johannesburg food scene with its unique offering; an experimental form of dining that takes guests on an exciting gastronomic journey.
Renee Blackman
Born and raised in Barbados, Renee Blackman has always had a passion for food and culture. Growing up her inspirations were her mother Colleen and Grandmother Hazel, sparking her fascination with food. Renee decided at an early age to become a chef, wanting to combine bold flavors to create deeply satisfying dishes. At the age of 16, she attended an early culinary program in New York where she excelled quickly. Exhibiting extreme interest in technique and presentation, she was deemed the lead chef amongst her peers. After discovering her niche of combining food and art, Chef Renee began creating elaborate dishes for friends and family members. Chef Renee believes in using the freshest ingredients and constantly seeks out seasonal finds to enhance her dishes.
Michael O’Hare
Michael O'Hare, a chef from North Yorkshire, transitioned from studying ballet and aeronautical engineering to pursuing a culinary career. He gained recognition at The Blind Swine in York and later became famous for his distinctive style on the BBC's Great British Menu. In 2014, he opened The Man Behind The Curtain in Leeds, known for its avant-garde, Spanish and Asian-influenced dishes. Michael describes his restaurant as a space for bold culinary expression. In 2016, he became Creative Director of GG Hospitality and opened The Rabbit in the Moon in Manchester. A 2024 refurbishment of his restaurant introduced new tables, DJ decks, and a refreshed menu. His TV appearances include The Great British Menu, Saturday Kitchen, MasterChef, Yes Chef, and Cooking With The Stars.
Head Mixologist – Jamaal Bowen
This year Jamaal Bowen takes the reigns as the first ever Lead Mixologist for the Festival. With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Jamaal has won several awards and achieved many accolades including Barbados Bartender of the Year, Angostura Mix Master Champion, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, Mixologist Coach of the Barbados Culinary Team, Bar Judge at Taste of the Caribbean, Angostura Regional Brand Ambassador and Culinary Ambassador for Barbados and Headliner for Barbados Food And Rum Festival from its inception. He is the Founding Director at TopShelf Academy Inc and one of the directors of the Barbados Rum Experience.
Head Chef – Henderson Butcher
Chef Henderson Butcher has over 25 years of experience in the hotel industry with training from John Folse Culinary Institute, Nicholls State University. As a creative and enthusiastic chef, Butcher won the Barbados Culinary Team Manager’s award for Taste of the Caribbean in 2007 and managed the winning Barbados Culinary Team for Taste of the Caribbean in 2011, 2012 up until 2020.
Chef Creig Greenidge
Journey of Food
Chef Creig Greenidge, owner and Executive Chef of CM Catering, holds various culinary accolades. He was the 2016 Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Rum and Rhythm Chef of the Year, the 2016 Embassy Chef Challenge winner, the 2018/2019 CTO Rum and Rhythm People’s Choice Chef of the Year. Chef Creig Greenidge, owner and Executive Chef of CM Catering, holds various culinary accolades. He was the 2016 Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Rum and Rhythm Chef of the Year, the 2016 Embassy Chef Challenge winner, the 2018/2019 CTO Rum and Rhythm People’s Choice Chef of the Year
Chef Stephanie Sayers
Liquid Gold Feast
Stephanie Sayers, known as Chefanie, is a culinary professional and businesswoman currently supervising the Deli at Massy Stores Supercenter Warrens. She also co-owns Miami Beach Bar in Barbados. Her culinary journey began in 2009 with a victory in the Junior Dueling Challenge and continued with success as a Junior Chef for the Barbados Culinary Team in 2012, earning gold and silver medals. In 2020, she launched "Soigné Cuisine by Chefanie," a small food business showcasing her commitment to excellence.
Chef Tremaine Reece
Rise & Rum
Tremaine has been in this culinary industry for 17 years, working in top hotels and restaurants on island and aborad. He is an award winning all round chef, well diversed in both pastry and cuisine and currently teaches and mentors young upcoming junior chefs at the Associates Degree level. Tremaine has a perfect record in winning gold at World Skills Barbados both times he participated and the Best Coach Award.
Chef D’Sean Miller
Rise & Rum
D'sean Miller has a lifelong passion for cooking, sparked by helping his grandmother in the kitchen. His culinary journey accelerated through a junior cooking competition leading him to win local and regional junior Dueling Challenge competitions. He has represented Barbados and the Caribbean at the Nations Cup in Michigan, he earned 4 golds, 3 silvers, and 2 Best of Shows, finishing as runner-up. He has worked with Michelin-starred chefs, blending Bajan flavors with international techniques. He is currently the senior sous chef at The Cliff restaurant and owns Five Star Cuisine which offers luxury catering, events, private dinners, and chef tables.
Chef Shanese Phoenix
Rise & Rum
Chef Shanese Phoenix, owner of The Bakers’ Home, has had a passion for cooking and baking from an early age. She got her first taste of cooking and food preparation as a member of the Barbados 4-H Foundation Catering Centre now known as The Annette Blackman Catering Centre. With over 12 years experience in the culinary field, she is now a trainer (volunteer) with the Barbados 4-H Foundation and has participated and won numerous awards in various national and international competitions.
Chef Kiara Riley
Rise & Rum
Chef Kiara Riley, the owner of Kiara's Enterprise, is a passionate and creative entrepreneur in the compelling industry of supplying local cuisines and treats with a strong cultural respect. After finishing her Associate Degree at Barbados Community College, she went on to become an ambassador for Barbados, representing the island at Toast of the Nation Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Taste of the Caribbean, winning medals in each respective category.
Chef Adrian Cumberbatch
Rise & Rum
Adrian is a multiple award-winning chef holding titles such as Former Captain of the Trinidad & Tobago National Culinary Team, Most Successful Team Captain with 16 Golds, 4 Silvers, 2 Bronze Medals and Hyatt Regency Manager of the Year 2015.
Chef Nicholas Ifill
Liquid Gold Feast
Chef Nicholas Ifill is the sous chef at Apes Hill Barbados. His general love for cooking began at a very tender age and his strong mindset has led him towards obtaining multiple awards both locally and internationally. As a Culinary Ambassador, he has travelled and showcase his talent on behalf of Barbados. Nicholas likes to create unique elvated dishes from simple and ‘ordinary’ ingredients
Chef Marvin Applewhaite
Rise & Rum
Chef Marvin Applewhaite is the personification of a foodie, or as he would like to call himself, ‘a kitchen addict’. He can freely admit that before enrolling into the Barbados Community College Hospitality Institute, where he attained his Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, he could “only fry nuggets”. He then started his professional career at The Hilton Barbados where he grew his culinary expertise while working at a series of well-known, highly acclaimed food establishments in Barbados.
Chef Trevon Stoute
Liquid Gold Feast
Chef Trevon Stoute’s entry into the culinary world was much like the start of any great meal, building anticipation from the first bite. Throughout his career, he has always introduced something into the mix that was daringly creative, flawlessly flavourful and wrapped in passion. This passion has inspired Chef Stoute, a luxury culinary services company catering to luxury villas and also aboard private jet charters and Quintessential- a classic collection of Food and Beverage apparel.
Chef Javon Cummins
Liquid Gold Feast
Chef Javon Cummins, inspired by the vibrant flavors of Barbados, has gained international acclaim for his culinary artistry. A key figure on Barbados' national Culinary Team, Chef Cummins has won numerous titles, including Gold Pastry Chef of the Year in 2017. His achievements include the 2019 Embassy Chef Challenge and the Caribbean Tourism Organization's ‘2019 Rum & Rhythm Judge’s Choice Chef of the Year. Recognized by the James Beard Foundation, he showcased his skills globally and was featured in Essence Magazine. As Executive Chef at Apes Hill, Chef Cummins crafts visually stunning, flavorful dishes, creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Chef Damian Leach
Liquid Gold Feast
Cocktail Kitchen’s award-winning Executive Chef, Damian Leach, discovered his passion for cooking from as young as 13 years old. Upon earning himself Le Grand Diplome from Le Cordon Bleu in Canada, he has since gained a wealth of experience in the culinary arts, working in renowned restaurants across the island and representing Barbados at various competitions.
Chef Anne-Marie Leach
Rise & Rum Liquid Gold Feast
Chef Ann-Marie Leach received Le Grande Diplome in both cuisine and patisserie at Le Cordon Bleu International School of Culinary Arts. After finding a new passion for vegan food and wellness, she then started her new venture as a plant-based wellness chef and started Yummy Mummies in 2017 which specialises in vegan/plant based meal prep. She is passionate about plant based cuisine while not compromising on flavour!
Chef Esther James
Liquid Gold Feast
Esther James began her career working in luxury estates in Barbados. She has catered and baked for a wide selection of affluent families, international recording artists and business magnates. Since 2016 her niche has fully morphed into a full time curator of luxury wedding cakes, designer birthday cakes and mini desserts. After appearing on the hit Barbadian cooking show Eggonomics, and other local popular shows, her exposure continued with her designs featured in numerous magazines such as MunaLuchi and Brides. More of her work has been popularly viewed on the social media platform by Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty.
Chef Steffi Batson
Liquid Gold Feast
Steffi attended the University of Technology, gaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in food service management with a major in Culinary Arts. She has work at several hotel and restaurants including Accra Beach Hotel & Spa, Savannah Beach Club until recent becoming the Head Chef a Zemi Café.
Chef Rodney Corbin
Rise & Rum
Rodney Corbin is an award-winning Pastry Chef at The Sandpiper. Rodney considers himself more of a maverick chef, renowned for his creativity and endearing flare for desserts. His passion for food is ignited by the journey it takes you on; those “Proustian moments” that give you a warm, familiar feeling. His culinary journey was propelled when he became Barbados’ Pastry Chef of the Year (2018) and further influenced by the Barbados Culinary Team, leading to him capturing Taste of the Caribbean Individual Chocolate Competition. One of his mantras, “life is unpredictable eat dessert first”.
Chef Jamal Whittaker
Liquid Gold Feast
Jamal Whittaker, always knew he belonged in the kitchen and is currently a pastry chef at the Coral Reef Club. The nephew of two former pastry chefs, he spent long hours in the kitchen, watching his aunts craft beautiful desserts. Jamal constantly sought to perfect his craft, attending the Barbados Vocational Training School, Barbados Community College, Joan’s Sugar Craft and Pastry Centre, as well as Tony Vino Wine Smarts. In 2018, he was honored to train as a member of the Barbados Culinary Team, and through this experience, he was awarded the silver medal in the Taste of The Caribbean Chocolate Competition in 2019.
Chef Shaunté Flatts
Rise & Rum
Shaunté Flatts is the owner of Taelicious and Taelicious foods. She has worked as a pastry chef at the Sea Breeze, St. Peter Bay and Pastry Chef De Partie the Sands Hotel. One thing Shaunté always advises to the younger generation is “Age is just a number; never limit yourself because of your age, you must always think big.”
Mixologist Ashley Morgan
Rise & Rum
Ashley Morgan has been in the industry for almost a decade. Her journey in hospitality began with Foster and Ince at the Barbados Port Inc. In 2019, while working an event at George Washington House, her attention was drawn to the bar and the rest is history. In hopes of gaining employment in the bar industry she enlisted in the courses at TopShelf Bartending Academy, where she has completed the four available levels, thus furthering her development and honing her craft. She is currently one of the mixologists for Bajan 1966 Rum.
Mixologist Jamal Smith
Rise & Rum
Jamal Smith, also known as Mally Mal locally and Mali internationally, rose from being a housekeeper to an internationally renowned mixologist. His passion for bartending began at Island Inn Hotel, leading him to excel in the global cocktail scene. Jamal Smith's journey from housekeeper to renowned mixologist showcases the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication. His creative and skillful approach to mixology continues to inspire and captivate, proving that with determination, one can achieve greatness.
Mixologist Dameain Williams
Rise & Rum
Dameain Williams has been awarded multi accolades such as Gine-on People Choice awards Mixologist of the years 2022 & 2023, Embassy Chef Challenge Peoples' Choice Award in Washington DC March 2024. He is the only Rummelier level 3 in Barbados and owner of Flaming Pelican Bar and Grill.
Mixologist Rhea Cox
Liquid Gold Feast
Rhea Cox has mastered the art of blending flavor, science, class, and creativity into her craft. She has been working at Mount Gay Distilleries Ltd for the last decade, where she has gained immense experience in commanding the bar and delivering their various rum experiences such as their renowned Premium Tasting and Cocktail Masterclass. Her background in Sensory Analysis and a WSET Level 3 Award in Spirits have made her a specialist in her field.
Mixologist Alex Chandler
Liquid Gold Feast
Known popularly as Alexander DaVinci, his passion for the art and craft of mixology has granted him the opportunity to represent Barbados at the Taste of the Caribbean event on two occasions. He has also flown across the globe to showcase his country and has been to places like Scotland, London, the Hamptons, Boston, Long Island and Rhode Island, gaining knowledge to master his craft.
Mixologist Natasha Jules
Rise & Rum
Natasha has been a bartender/mixologist for eighteen years and is currently a resident mixologist at The Mews Restaurant in Second Street Holetown. Natasha has been a part of the Barbados Food and Rum festival for three years and is also a culinary ambassador for Barbados, travelling throughout the Caribbean and South America showcasing her talent through her craft.
Mixologist Antonio Busby
Rise & Rum
Antonio Busby, also known as the Krazibarman, has been a part of the tourism industry for over 20 years. Busby enjoys using local ingredients to craft his cocktails, which are usually indigenous to Barbados. Cocktails such as “Sweet Potato Pie” and “Conkie” are popular as persons always wonder how he is able to get the taste in a glass.
Mixologist Shane McClean
Liquid Gold Feast
Award winning, international mixologist, Shane McClean is a man of many talents known for creating well-balanced cocktail recipes. He has held the title of Culinary Ambassador for Barbados since 2018, travelling both regionally and internationally representing Barbados alongside other award-winning mixologists and chefs.
Mixologist Philip Antoine
Liquid Gold Feast
Philip Antoine is a mixologist/liquid artist known by the bartending moniker ‘Philip Casanova’. A multiple winner of the ‘Barbados Bartender of the Year’ title, he has represented Barbados at numerous competitions; all of which he won gold. Apart from competing in events as a culinary ambassador, Philip is the owner and lead liquid artist of the company Cassanova Liquid Artistry, which specialises in crafted bottled cocktails. Philip has been a part of the festiuval since 2015.