2018 Embassy Chef Challenge: Two victories for the Philippines

The 10th anniversary of the Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge presented by TCMA featured prizes determined by both a judging panel and patrons. Here’s a look at some of the highlights from the annual culinary competition, which featured representatives from 28 embassies, that took place on May 17.

all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine
all videos by Mai D. Chan / Meniscus Magazine

Winning first prize in both the Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice divisions, Chef Abigail “Abie” Sincioco-Mateo (left), representing the Embassy of the Philippines, charmed diners with her healthy version of Pork Sisig. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Second place for both divisions resulted in another sweep, this time by Ghana’s Francis Otoo (left) and his Lamb Jollof Rice. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

In the Judges’ Choice division, Chef Jouvens Jean (Haiti) won third place. He served Kabrit Kreyol with Haitian Cinnamon Water. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Other winners included Alex Salgado (Colombia), third place in the People’s Choice category, who served Coconut Shrimp with Pancetta and Heart of Palm Ceviche. Rounding out the list of winners in two new categories was Barbados for the Best Beverage presented by Pepsi (a Drunken Bajan Lemonade) and Morocco for Best Dressed Embassy presented by Macy’s.

Barbados Chef Creig Greenidge, who co-created this year’s Best Beverage winner with mixologist Philip Antoine. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)