Nassau, Bahamas - After a two-weekend tantalizing culinary competition involving several islands, Acklins has emerged the winner of the Ministry of Tourism’s Taste Our Bahamas Competition.

The event was held at Fort Charlotte on October 4th and 11th.

In the first weekend, Acklins took home the majority of the categories.

Andros came a close second.

In the finale, the judges had the daunting task of judging seven delicious categories including best crab and dough, best alcoholic beverages, best rice, best conch salad, best crab dish, best native candy and best lobster dish.

In the best bread and crab and dough category, Tiffany Newton of Andros was the overall winner.

For alcoholic beverages, Preston Jones of Abaco was the overall winner.

Winning best rice was Christopher and Kelly Thurston of Acklins, best crab dish went to Cleo Cash of Andros, best native candy went to Naturally Bahamians of Acklins and Charles Stewart of Abaco won best lobster dish.

Culinary Manager in the Ministry of Tourism DeAnne Gibson said she was happy with the success of the competition.

“I felt the event was a success. I am very pleased with the first time and I look forward to introducing more elements next year and growing it from year to year.

Director of Events in the ministry, Charity Armbrister also lauded the event’s success.

“From babies to grand parents attended and there was something for everyone. The competition between the various islands was truly awesome. The mixology and culinary competitions were certainly a big hit as numerous persons watched the competitions throughout the day and sampled the food and drinks,” she said.

“The vendors went home smiling because they virtually sold out of food and other products. A food vendor selling healthy products told me that this was the first time she sold so many products at one event. You know that an event was a success when vendors and participants say that it finished too early Next year will be bigger and better so stay tuned.”