WILLEMSTAD – Dillon Zabala of Brooklyn Restaurant has been named Curaçao Bartender 2026 and will represent the island later this year at the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association's (CHATA) Taste of the Caribbean 2026 competition in Barbados.
The title was decided during the Curaçao Bartender Competition, where Zabala competed against Jurien Martijn of Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort, Frantjesko Leonora of Pretu Bar and Angello Ferero of Renaissance Wind Creek Curaçao Resort.
Contestants were challenged in two rounds designed to test their creativity, technical skills and professional knowledge behind the bar.
The competition, along with the official presentation of Curaçao's culinary team, was held at Pretu Bar Curaçao.
CHATA also unveiled the island's full team for the regional culinary competition. The delegation will be led by team captain Rensley de Jong of Blue Bay Curaçao Golf & Beach Resort. Joining him are senior chef Radisha Daal of Lemon Tree, junior chef Rowan Apolina of Maris Stella SBO, pastry chef Heinrich Hortencia and bartender Dillon Zabala.
Taste of the Caribbean brings together chefs and bartenders from across the region to compete in one of the Caribbean's premier culinary events. According to CHATA, the competition offers Curaçao's hospitality professionals an opportunity to showcase their talent on a regional stage while helping strengthen the island's reputation as a leading culinary destination.
The organization noted that Curaçao's cuisine reflects a rich blend of Caribbean, Latin American, European and other international influences. As culinary tourism continues to grow, CHATA sees gastronomy as an increasingly important component of Curaçao's tourism industry and international appeal.