PO BOX 246 ~ Beanfield, Vieux Fort, St. Lucia ~ Resort Phone: 758-459-6000 ~ www.cbayresort.com

March 16th, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

COCONUT BAY CELEBRATES CHEF RONALD ESTEPHANE, SAINT LUCIA’S FIRST INDEPENDENCE “CAKE BOSS”

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa congratulates Chef Ronald Estephane on winning the inaugural

NRDF/SLTB 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 (5) 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 (8) tier passion

fruit 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 creation by Chef Ronald was constructed with three sections. The bottom third of the cake

depicted the marine bio-diversity of our nation, while the mid-section (brown in color) represented

the lands used for growing bananas. The mid-section which was a vertical cylindrical shape was used

to mount the third/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

top section of the cake.

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 (1) 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”.

Ends/CBay PR