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Ernest Levy is Jamaica's newest champion chef

Published:Thursday | October 17, 2013 | 12:00 AM
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Suean Ford getting a taste of curried chicken spring roll prepared by Agent Sasco and Chef Brian Lumley.
Stuffed chicken breast with sweet potato, prepared by the celebrity chefs. - photos by Rudolph Brown/Photographer
Agent Sasco (left) and Chef Brian Lumley check on their sauce.
From left: Dennis McIntosh, chairman of the Culinary Federation of Jamaica; Nikolette Williams, brand and promotions officer for Best Dressed Foods; Sous Chef Ernest Levy; and Donald d'Alejandro, head judge from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. - contributed
Ernest Levy's winning dish - Serious Ting - a crispy pan-fried red snapper topped with spicy tomato chutney, served with a seafood medley in Solomon Gundy mango sauce and potato shrimp dumpling. - contributeD
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Karrie Williams, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

On Sunday night, Sous Chef Ernest Levy demonstrated his culinary excellence at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, walking away with the top prize in the Best Dressed Chicken Taste of Jamaica food and beverage competition.

Levy, who represented Grand Palladium Resort and Spa, hails from St Mary and credits his mother and grandmother for his early exposure to cooking.

"From an early age, I was fascinated by food preparation. As a result, I was always hanging around the kitchen with my mother and grandmother, who both taught me the fundamentals of cooking," Levy told Food.

'Serious ting', which was his winning signature dish, was a crispy pan-fried red snapper, topped with spicy tomato chutney, served with a seafood medley in Solomon Gundy mango sauce and a potato shrimp dumpling. The dish wowed judges with its flavourful taste and appealing presentation.

Despite the challenge from four other top chefs, including his own co-worker, Damian Myers, who was last year's winner, Levy said he remained confident because of his passion and restless creativity.

"I knew that I had to come and do my best, because I am up against some of the best chefs. But chef Gayle, who is also my mentor, encouraged me to just focus on the taste and balance of my dish, and the quality of my presentation when the dish goes out to the judges. I maintained my composure and at the end of the day it all worked out. Winning this competition has always been a dream of mine and it is a great accomplishment for me."

Levy will also be representing Jamaica in the upcoming Taste of the Caribbean contest, which will be hosted in Miami. He has plans to also woo those judges with authentic island tastes and flavours.

"I will be bringing a few native ingredients from home to help me bring out the authentic tastes and flavours of Jamaica to the judges," said Levy.

Celebrity cook-off

Patrons who came out to witness the competition, were in for a special treat from two celebrity chefs. Brian Lumley and Jeffery Campbell, aka Agent Sasco, demonstrated their skills in the Best Dressed Chicken Caters to you Celebrity Style cook-off. After dicing, chopping and stuffing, the audience put them to the test in sampling their creations.