{"id":298823,"date":"2019-05-06T06:06:36","date_gmt":"2019-05-05T20:06:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/?p=298823"},"modified":"2019-05-06T06:06:36","modified_gmt":"2019-05-05T20:06:36","slug":"villanueva-wins-contest-at-saturdays-taste-kickoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saipantribune.com\/index.php\/villanueva-wins-contest-at-saturdays-taste-kickoff\/","title":{"rendered":"Villanueva wins contest at Saturday\u2019s Taste kickoff"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Marianas Visitors Authority staff, guests, and dignitaries cut the ribbon to kick off the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas at the American Memorial Park last Saturday. (Photos by REICA RAMIREZ)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden kicked off last Saturday at American Memorial Park with a series of entertainment at the main stage, 20 food vendors, three drinks vendors, and a kadun pika cooking competition at the secondary stage. <\/p>\n

The opening night featured many entertainment groups such as the Tasi and the Aliis and traditional performances from the Korean Cultural Center. <\/p>\n

Marianas Visitors Authority hosted the Kadun Pika Contest (spicy chicken), which was sponsored by Ladder Beach Restaurant. The contestants were judged on the tenderness of the chicken, the level of spice, the presentation of the food, and the overall taste. <\/p>\n

The winner of the Kadun Pika Contest was Shayne Villanueva, with his concoction he called \u201cRoil Soil Sauce.\u201d He used ingredients from the Saturday farmers\u2019 market, the Sabalu Market, and Saipan Brewing Co.\u2019s pika beer.<\/p>\n

Villanueva\u2019s prize for his victory was a one-night stay at Hyatt Regency Saipan, a dinner buffet for two at Kili Cafe, a $250 gift certificate at Chairman M. restaurant, and a $50 gift certificate to Ladder Beach Restaurant. <\/p>\n

Second place went to Freddy Salavaria and Francis, also known as \u201cDa Kompires.\u201d Third place went to \u201cGuns \u2018n Hoses,\u201d a team of police and firefighters working to serve the public. <\/p>\n

The other five contestants were Andrew Songsong, Jesse Mesa, \u201cNaughty Native,\u201d and \u201cBarola Team.\u201d <\/p>\n

The festival will be open every Saturday throughout the month of May from 6pm to 10pm. <\/p>\n

The festival will also feature the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands Junior Chefs Competition on May 25, sponsored by Triple J Five Star Wholesale. <\/p>\n

Taste of the Marianas is a signature event of the MVA and is one of the largest celebrations in the Marianas. The festival features international cuisine at affordable prices from local hotels and restaurant vendors and non- stop live entertainment.<\/p>\n