Jermaine Wilkin Wins 2025 Good Taste Series Caribbean Title

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen hosted an unprecedented culinary celebration as it welcomed the 2025 edition of The Good Taste Series, an annual event showcasing the most distinguished chefs from the Hyatt chain. This year, sous chef Jermaine Wilkin from Park Hyatt St. Kitts claimed the regional title for Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America, standing out among twelve talented competitors.

A Platform for Culinary Excellence

The Good Taste Series, now a cornerstone for culinary talent within Hyatt, began with local eliminations at each of the chain’s properties. The format underscores Hyatt’s commitment to team development and service excellence while recognizing the creativity and expertise of its chefs.

Over two intense days, the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen transformed into a hub of flavors, allowing participants to demonstrate their culinary skills. Competing chefs included Garrete Bowe from Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Erik Alcocer from La Cocina in Playa del Carmen, Leonardo Luna from Grand Hyatt São Paulo, Román Sánchez from Hyatt Regency Guadalajara, and other notable chefs representing various Hyatt properties.

Innovation and Judging

The competition featured specific ingredients such as totoaba fish, celeriac, and black truffle, challenging participants to craft innovative and elaborate dishes that impressed a panel of gastronomy experts. Judges included Sandro Anglas, Director of Food and Beverage at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, alongside Diego Andrade, the hotel’s general manager, and Miguel Ángel Bermejo, Vice President of Regional Human Resources for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts Inclusive Collection.

In addition to presenting their competition dishes, each chef had the opportunity to showcase their signature specialties, ensuring only the most refined and inventive creations were presented. This dynamic not only delivered a gastronomic spectacle but also reinforced Hyatt’s values of cultural diversity and culinary innovation—key pillars of the brand’s identity.

A Celebration of Latin American Cuisine

Beyond culinary prowess, the event offered a sensory journey, allowing attendees to experience the richness of Latin America’s gastronomic culture. Each dish served during the competition celebrated the diversity and creativity of Hyatt’s chefs, highlighting their dedication and passion for the craft.

Now in its tenth year, The Good Taste Series remains a benchmark in the culinary industry, further cementing the Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen’s reputation as a leader in hospitality and gastronomy. The next phase of the competition will take place in San Diego, where Jermaine Wilkin will represent the region with his exceptional talent and creativity.

Undoubtedly, this series is a must-attend event for enthusiasts of fine cuisine and excellent wines, marking a significant milestone in the annual gastronomic calendar.