The St. Kitts Grill Fest, a vibrant culinary competition and a highlight of the nation’s Culinary Month, has concluded, celebrating the exceptional skills of chefs from across the Caribbean. The event, which took place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Frigate Bay Lawn, saw participants vie for top honors in five distinct categories: pork, fish, chicken, lobster, and baby back ribs. The winners and runners-up were officially announced on Sunday, July 19, 2026, via the official social media channels of the St. Kitts-Nevis Restaurant Week.
Culinary Champions Crowned at St. Kitts Grill Fest
This year’s St. Kitts Grill Fest showcased a high caliber of cooking, with chefs demonstrating their mastery of grilling techniques and flavor profiles. The competition served as a cornerstone of the broader St. Kitts-Nevis Restaurant Week, drawing attention to the rich culinary landscape of the region.
Category Winners and Runners-Up
The competition was fierce across all five categories, with notable performances earning recognition:
- Fish Category: Sponsored by Republic Bank and Vibes Beach Bar, this category saw Michael Jangeezy Browne emerge as the winner. Jacqueline Rose secured the runner-up position. Organizers commended Browne’s performance, noting it set a high standard for the competition.
- Lobster Category: Supported by Carib Brewery, the lobster category was won by Dave Mugsey Martin. Cleavon Chumney was recognized as the runner-up.
- Baby Back Ribs Category: Ram’s provided sponsorship for the baby back ribs competition. Tyrone Granny Browne claimed the top prize, with Marlene Ramsey finishing as the runner-up.
- Pork Category: D&D Services Waste Pro sponsored the pork category. Ricardo Smurf Stewart was awarded the winner’s title, and Cleon Pappy took home the runner-up honor.
- Chicken Category: Kyla Huggins was declared the winner in the chicken category, with Michelle Bridgewater securing the runner-up spot.
Regional Competition Highlights Caribbean Talent
Beyond the individual categories, the St. Kitts Grill Fest also hosted a regional competition, underscoring the collaborative spirit and competitive drive among Caribbean culinary professionals. Team Grenada emerged victorious in this prestigious regional showdown. The winning Grenadian team comprised four talented members: Andre Church, Jaylill Bernard, Will Smith, and Shackera Ackie. Their collective effort and culinary prowess earned them the top spot among regional contenders.
Sponsorship and Support Crucial to Success
The success of the St. Kitts Grill Fest and the St. Kitts-Nevis Restaurant Week was significantly bolstered by the generous support of various sponsors. These partnerships were instrumental in providing the resources necessary to host a high-profile event that celebrates and elevates Caribbean cuisine. Key sponsors for the overall event included Xpress Events, Kayanjet, and E-Z Axcess Graphix, alongside the category-specific sponsors.
The organizers extended their sincere gratitude to all the sponsors, participants, and attendees who contributed to making the St. Kitts Grill Fest a memorable and successful event. Congratulations were offered to all category winners, runners-up, and the victorious Team Grenada for their outstanding achievements. The event not only provided a platform for culinary competition but also reinforced St. Kitts and Nevis’s position as a destination that values and promotes its rich gastronomic heritage.
The St. Kitts-Nevis Restaurant Week continues to be a significant initiative, fostering culinary innovation and providing a platform for local and regional chefs to showcase their talents. The Grill Fest, as a key component, has once again demonstrated the vibrant and evolving culinary scene within the Caribbean, promising even more exciting developments in the years to come.
