Pastry chef of Grand Cayman Marriott Resort Gustavo Noborikawa has won the Marriott International’s 2024 edition of ‘Masters of the Craft’ in the pastry category, competing against 800 participants from Latin American and the Caribbean in the grand finale held at The Westin in Santa Fe, Mexico City earlier this month.
It’s the resort’s second-consecutive win at the competition, a culinary, beverage and pastry contest designed to foster creativity and innovation while highlighting exceptional chefs and bartenders in the company’s food, beverage and pastry community.
“I felt incredibly happy and proud,” Noborikawa told the Cayman Compass on his win.
“It was a significant accomplishment not just for my career but also on a personal level. It wasn’t just about showcasing my skills as a chef; it was about pushing myself to overcome shyness and anxiety, stepping out of my comfort zone, and cooking in front of an audience. Succeeding in those aspects made me feel truly proud of myself.”
Caribbean culinary artistry
Noborikawa, 28, originally from Brazil, won over the judges with his creativity and cultural depth during the three phases of the competition.
Phase one was the property-level competition in which competitors from culinary, pastry and beverage categories competed against one another. Noborikawa competed in the pastry category, presenting a dish that showcased not only technical skill but the story and inspiration behind it.
Winners then moved forward by submitting an application detailing their dish. From there, 10 finalists in each category were selected for the semifinals.
Noborikawa’s dish featured whipped cream and a delicate tempura centrepiece, balancing flavours to reflect the cultural melting pot of the Caribbean. The dish, he said, was a reflection of the Cayman Islands as a community surrounded by water. He also brought out his Japanese heritage and family traditions, fusing Caymanian, Japanese and Mexican influences.
The competition heated up with a mix of live judging and virtual engagement, where in-house judges evaluated the finalists and corporate teams watched over livestream.
Noborikawa said, “Competing alongside such talented individuals is intense, and the stakes feel even higher knowing external judges are also reviewing our submissions. At the end of this phase, finalists are chosen to move to the grand finale.”
Out of 800 participants from across the region, only three finalists from each category – culinary, pastry and beverage – made it to the grand final stage.
“I felt truly happy because this competition is so much more than just a test of skill,” Noborikawa said, adding, “it’s a celebration of passion, creativity, and camaraderie. Representing my property and competing alongside such talented individuals has been an incredible honour. It reminds me why I love what I do and the endless possibilities that this field has to offer.”
More than just cooking
Since he was a kid, Noborikawa said, “My family has always enjoyed good food, and I was fortunate to be surrounded by amazing cooks. Being around them sparked my interest in helping out in the kitchen, and I especially loved being involved in making desserts …
“As I grew up, I spent a lot of time cooking at home. My mom would get me different ingredients, and I was always on the lookout for new recipes to try. When I graduated from high school, I wasn’t entirely sure which career I wanted to pursue, so I decided to enrol in culinary school and that’s where I truly discovered my passion, especially during the pastry classes.”
It’s the “complexity and techniques” involved in pastry that he loves.
He said, “I love how using similar ingredients in different ways can create a variety of dishes with incredible flavours.”
Noborikawa, who has been a part of the culinary world for over seven years, said, he enjoys connecting with different people and cultures.
“Exploring the deep connections food has with traditions, stories and emotions is incredible to me. For me, it’s more than just cooking; it’s an outstanding way to bring people together and create meaningful experiences,” he said.
‘Deeply honoured to work here’
For Noborikawa, the ‘Masters of the Craft’ experience, “has been such a meaningful validation of doing what I love and the way others recognise my work. Since coming to the Cayman Islands, I’ve fallen in love [with] everything this place has offered me, both professionally and personally. I feel deeply honoured to work here and to draw inspiration for my dish from this beautiful destination.”
He added, “My achievement further reinforces the Cayman Islands as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, a title it truly deserves.”
Noborikawa said the competition win also “reaffirmed that I am on the right path in building my career. The trust the company placed in me to represent them at such an important event was both humbling and motivating.”
Commenting on Noborikawa’s performance, Yamile Misich, marketing and communication manager, told the Compass, “This remarkable achievement reinforces the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort’s role in celebrating the Cayman Islands as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Gustavo’s win highlights the exceptional talent fostered at the resort and the island’s rich culinary heritage, which continues to inspire visitors and locals alike.”
For anyone wishing to pursue their dreams, Noborikawa said, “Always be true to yourself and pursue something you genuinely believe in. When your work aligns with your values and passions, it doesn’t just feel like a job – it becomes a source of fulfilment and purpose. Stay focused on what drives you, even when challenges arise, because believing in yourself and your dreams is what will keep you moving forward.”
Related Videos
