Tips from judges:

• Have a plan
  Although you will not know what ingredients you will find in your mystery basket, look at the possibilities and have a work plan for all different options.
• Be prepared
  Buy time by making sure your workspace is being set-up and make sure you bring all tools you need to perform. Being as ready as possible will take away some of the pressure which is always involved in competitions
• Bring a watch
  Timing is essential in this competition, make sure you know at all times how much time you have left.
• Be professionally dressed
  All chefs have to be professionally dressed including, chefs pants, chef’s whites apron, head cover and closed shoes, although of course it is not a fashion show, be aware that a big audience might be watching you. We want to leave a professional impression of our chef trade.
• Please the taste buds
  A lot of chefs in competition have the competency to ‘show off’ their presentation skills more than the cooking skills.

  Although the presentation is important, taste scores much higher make sure your sauces have flavor. Veggies are well cooked and meats and fish have the correct cooking temperature. Make sure hot food is being served hot and cold food is being served cold!!!

• Be creative
  Try to impress the judges with more than the traditional dishes which we all know already. For the first time there will be an award for the dish that shows the most creativity in working with local ingredients. This dish has to reflect Belizean or regional cuisine.
  

• Ask the floor judges
  The floor judges are not only there to score you, they are also available for any questions or request you might have. They will assist in any reasonable way possible

• Have Fun
  Try not to be stressed out during the competition, after all you just come to have fun. Use the hours you are not competing to liaise and network with your colleagues and learn from each other.