Antiguan Youth Cooks Up International Victory

Twelve-year-old Gigar Campbell has brought pride to Antigua and Barbuda after capturing the top prize in the Grace Junior Chef Challenge, held during the Island Eats Toronto Food and Travel Festival at Mel Lastman Square.

Representing Antigua and Barbuda with the support of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s Canada office, Campbell was named the overall winner after impressing judges with an inventive Caribbean-inspired menu that showcased both creativity and technical skill.

The competition invited young chefs between the ages of 10 and 14 to prepare an original island-inspired meal using Grace products. Each contestant was required to create a complete culinary experience consisting of an entrée, salad and mocktail while incorporating Grace Honey Jerk Paste and Grace Coconut Milk into their recipes.

Campbell’s winning dish featured a jerk-marinated chicken schnitzel served with fried egg aioli, a mango and pineapple salad, coconut ranch dressing and a mango mojito prepared with Grace Island Mango Soda.

In recognition of his achievement, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Canada Office presented Campbell with a $500 travel voucher for him and his family to visit Antigua. The tourism authority sponsored his participation in the competition after learning of his talent through his mother, a makeup artist who has previously worked with the organization.

Campbell was mentored throughout the competition by two accomplished Antiguan and Barbudan culinary professionals. Chef Giovanni Meyer, founder of Pinch of Black Salt, worked with him on developing the winning recipe, while award-winning mixologist Kanto George helped create and refine the mocktail.

“I didn’t even think I was going to win because I was the youngest,” Campbell said. “I was just having fun doing what I like to do. I’m now realizing how many doors this has opened for me. It’s incredible. It’s what I want to do professionally one day.”

Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism for Canada at the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, said the victory demonstrates how food can bring communities together while inspiring the next generation.

“We were so proud to see Gigar represent Antigua and Barbuda with such creativity, confidence and respect for Caribbean flavour,” Wharton said. “This was also a wonderful example of mentorship, with Chef Giovanni Meyer and Kanto George helping to inspire and encourage a talented young chef.”

Campbell said his passion for cooking began when he was just four years old after watching his grandmother prepare meals. Today, he enjoys cooking for his two younger sisters and hopes the experience will be the first step toward a future professional culinary career.

The Grace Junior Chef Challenge formed part of the Island Eats Toronto Food and Travel Festival, which celebrates Caribbean food, travel and culture while providing young chefs with opportunities to develop their culinary skills through mentorship and hands-on experience.

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