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Dai-Ichi chefs top Taste’s BBQ competition
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Posted on May 31 2005
Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach’s chefs de partie bagged this year’s Taste of the Marianas Chefs’ Barbecue Competition held last Saturday at the American Memorial Park.
Chefs Elmer Esdrelon and Jimmy Castro unanimously convinced the discriminating palates of the four judges to take home $300 and gift items from the sponsors.
Esdrelon and Castro’s winning dishes included Usngin Calamansi, Calamansi Marinade Asian Rubbed, Matala-Katni Galaidy, and Red Wine Marinade with Citrus and Peppercorns.
World Resort Hotel chefs’ Asian Mixed Grille bagged the second runner-up prize, taking home $200 and gift packs. Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Pacific Rim Barbecue took third place, while Pacific Islands Club’s Barbecue de Marianas was fourth runner-up. Only four hotels with two chefs each participated in the event.
Judges for the competition were previous winner Samson Tan, Glimpses’ Steve Nygard, Aqua Resort Club’s executive chef Hubert Friedle and entrepreneur Juan “Pan” Guerrero. PIC’s Sports, Entertainment, and Activities director Jon Cramer was the event’s master of ceremonies.
The contest was the last competition in the monthlong Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden, held the past four Saturdays at the park.
The last night of the fair gathered more than 1,000 people who took the opportunity to catch the international caliber event on its final night. The event was sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority.
A 15-minute fireworks display at the AMP Visitor Center capped the night’s festivities.
Participating hotels and restaurants during the celebration were Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Saipan World Resort, Capricciosa and Tony Roma’s, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Poon’s Restaurant, Thai House Restaurant, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, Champ’s, Ty & Tia, and D’Elegance.
MVA managing director Vicky Benavente said that the Taste of the Marianas is an event that both visitors to the island, and local residents alike always look forward to every year and the recently concluded event just proved that the CNMI is a cornucopia of culinary talents.
