Instead of the usual malagkit (glutinous rice), he used purple malagkit (heirloom mountain rice) from the Cordilleras. He replaced the chicken with bangus (milk fish) marinated like inasal (with kalamansi, vinegar, garlic, lemon grass and achuete). He also replaced the raisins with dried mangoes. The secret ingredient was taba ng talangka (crablet fat). To add crunch, he used glazed pili nuts. He won the People’s Choice Award which is comprised of 50 percent online, and 50 percent onsite votes. Congratulations Chef Claude!

Embassy Chef Challenge 2016 (from Events DC)
A sensational way to experience a country’s culture is through its food. Events DC presented the 8th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, a Cultural Tourism DC signature event, in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on Wednesday, May 25, 2016.

“This event is a great opportunity for the embassy community to engage locals through the international language of delicious food,” said Erik A. Moses, senior vice president and managing director of Events DC, Sports, Entertainment and Special Events. “Events DC is proud to partner with Cultural Tourism DC to bring this unique culinary competition to the District for the 8th consecutive year.”

Guests nibbled their way through an abundant array of foods and drinks prepared by nearly 20 global culinary representatives from South America, Asia, Africa, Europe plus a solid showing from the Caribbean nations.

“Through Passport DC, Cultural Tourism DC celebrates the diversity of the nations represented by their embassies in Washington, DC. There is no better way to celebrate than with fine food and beverage, some of which borders on the exotic,” said Steven E. Shulman, executive director of Cultural Tourism DC.

A panel of local celebrity chefs, including Manny Rodriguez of Kapnos at Reagan National Airport, who was last year’s Challenge champion, Ris Lacoste of Ris Restaurant, Cathal Armstrong of Restaurant Eve and renowned food writer and commentator Monica Bhide awarded the Judge’s Prize. Each attendee had an opportunity to taste and cast their own vote to decide the People’s Choice Award winner.”