Overall winner Gigar Campbell represented Antigua and Barbuda with mentorship from Chef Giovanni Meyer and cocktail expert Kanto George

The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Canada Office is celebrating a proud culinary moment after 12-year-old junior chef Gigar Campbell, representing Antigua and Barbuda, was named the overall winner of the Grace Junior Chef Challenge at the Island Eats Toronto Food and Travel Festival.

Held at Mel Lastman Square on June 13, the Grace Junior Chef Challenge invited young chefs ages 10 to 14 to create an original, island-inspired meal using Grace products. Participants were tasked with preparing a complete culinary experience, including a flavourful entrée, fresh salad, and mocktail, while incorporating Grace Honey Jerk Paste and Grace Coconut Milk into their dishes.

Gigar represented Antigua and Barbuda through the support of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Canada Office, which sponsored Gigar’s participation in the competition. The connection was made through Gigar’s mother, a makeup artist who has worked with the tourism board, helping create a meaningful opportunity for a young chef to step into the spotlight and celebrate Caribbean flavour on a public stage.

In recognition of Gigar’s achievement and as a thank you for representing Antigua and Barbuda, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Canada Office has also awarded him a $500 travel voucher to visit Antigua with his family.

For his winning menu, Gigar created a Caribbean-inspired chicken schnitzel marinated with jerk paste and buttermilk, served with fried egg aioli, mango and pineapple salad, coconut ranch, and a mango mojito made with Grace Island Mango Soda. The dish reflected creativity, confidence, and a thoughtful approach to island-inspired cooking.

Gigar was mentored by two Antiguan and Barbudan culinary talents: Chef Giovanni Meyer, Antiguan-born chef and founder of Pinch of Black Salt, and Kanto George, award-winning mixologist and resident bar manager at Goldwyn & Sons Cocktail Bar and Barber Shop. Together, they helped guide Gigar’s menu development, flavour direction, and mocktail concept, offering mentorship rooted in both technical skill and Caribbean culinary pride.

“Representing Antigua and Barbuda in the contest, and winning, was exciting. I am honored that the Antigua and Barbuda team chose me and supported me throughout,” says Junior Chef Winner Gigar Campbell. “What I appreciated most, however, were the friendships I built and the skills I gained. Being mentored by Chef Giovanni Meyer and mixologist Kanto George was central to my success, because Chef Gio created the chicken shnits while Mixologist Kanto created the nohito they taught me to make. I practiced for the whole week at home to get ready for the competition just the way they taught me. I didn’t even think I was going to win because I was the youngest. 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,” he adds.

For the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority Canada Office, the win reflects the power of food to connect people across generations, cultures, and communities.

“Food is one of the most meaningful ways we share culture, tell stories, and build connections,” said Tameka Wharton, Director of Tourism, Canada, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We were so proud to see Gigar represent Antigua and Barbuda with such creativity, confidence, and respect for Caribbean flavour. This moment is also a beautiful example of mentorship. To have Antiguan and Barbudan talents like Chef Giovanni Meyer and Kanto George support and encourage a young chef speaks to the strength of our community and the importance of building up the next generation.”

Gigar’s interest in cooking began at home, watching his grandmother in the kitchen when he was just four years old. He has since developed a love for cooking for his two younger sisters and says one of his favourite dishes to make is steak and eggs.

“My interest in cooking was sparked by my grandmother,” said Gigar Campbell. “She cooked often, and one day, I saw her making eggs. It looked so exciting. I was four years old. I also like cooking for my two younger sisters.”

For Gigar’s family, the experience was about much more than the competition.

“The greatest reward was being able to participate in an event hosted by a great staple in my family’s pantry and upbringing, and seeing our children be involved in its great contribution to Caribbean history,” said Jason Campbell, Gigar’s father. “A major shout out to Gigar’s mentors, Antiguan and Barbudan Chef Giovanni Meyer and bartender Kanto George, for their recipe and drink inspirations, their time, and their patience in mentoring our son through this life-changing experience.”

“Gigar showed focus, creativity, and a real respect for Caribbean flavour,” said Chef Giovanni Meyer. “It was a pleasure to help guide him and see his confidence grow.”

“Gigar brought great energy and curiosity to the mocktail process,” said Mixologist Kanto George. “Supporting young talent like how I was supported when I first started is a meaningful way to pass on the knowledge, celebrate culture and build confidence within the next generation of mixologists.”

The Grace Junior Chef Challenge was part of Island Eats Toronto Food and Travel Festival, a celebration of Caribbean food, travel, culture, and community. Leading up to the competition, participants also took part in a food safety session with Toronto Public Health and a hands-on workshop with a professional chef to help build confidence and plating skills.

The win comes as Antigua and Barbuda continues to spotlight cuisine as a central part of the destination’s story. From traditional dishes and local ingredients to chef-led experiences and Culinary Month programming, food remains one of the most powerful ways visitors and communities connect with the twin-island destination.

“Antigua and Barbuda has so much to offer as a culinary destination,” added Wharton. “This was a special opportunity to share that story in Canada while supporting young talent through food, mentorship, and culture.”

For more information about Antigua and Barbuda, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda Celebrates Grace Junior Chef Challenge Win at Island Eats Toronto Food and Travel Festival.