Above: Nina Compton

By the Caribbean Journal staff

St Lucia has named “Top Chef” finalist Nina Compton as the island’s first-ever culinary ambassador, Tourism Minister Lorne Theophilus announced Monday.

Compton finished second on the 11th season of the Bravo network programme, whose season finale aired last week.

“Her journey to the show’s finale captivated thousands of viewers internationally and indeed all of Saint Lucia,” Theophilus said. “Bestowing on her the title of Culinary Ambassador puts her in line to not only further display her culinary mastery on behalf of Saint Lucia, but equally will highlight the awarding winning gastronomic delights of the island which are brought to life in exceptional indigenous recipes that are served up by other acclaimed chefs at award winning resorts and fine restaurants across the island.”

Compton is currently the Chef de Cuisine of the Scarpetta restaurant at the Fontainebleau Resort in Miami Beach, Fla.

She was voted Fan Favourite of the show’s 11th season.