WASHINGTON, March 8 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 embassies competed in this year's Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge held at the Union Station in Washington, D.C. Thursday night, which captivated the audiences with unique flavors from across the world.
This year the first place for the Judges' Choice Award went to Chef Jovana Urriola from the Embassy of the Republic of Panama, with the authentic "Panamanian Style Afro Caribbean Chicken Tamale Dumplings" securing her the top spot.
Panamanian dishes' fusion of African, Caribbean, and Asian cuisines reflects the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the country's culinary landscape, according to a leaflet at the scene.
The second place went to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Chefs Lin Song, Lu Tao, Li XiaoFeng, Jia Wenhui, and Zhu Xianglin were able to secure high placement in the Judges' Choice Award voting with their "Sichuan Spicy Fish, Kung Pao Shrimp Balls, Sichuan Cold Spicy Noodles and Snowy Mooncakes."
"The mooncakes are fantastic," John Schneider, a guest at the scene told Xinhua. "I typically don't think like desserts from Asia are the greatest because I'm used to French desserts. But these are fantastic. I don't know what they are but I love them."
Schneider also took a sip of the Chinese baijiu. "This alcohol. Not that I love it, but it's just the most interesting thing I've had. It is very unique. There's all these weird flavors going on," he said. "It makes me want to visit China because I'm like, wow, what else is waiting for me?"
In third place for the Judges' Choice Award was the Embassy of the Dominican Republic. Chefs Aris and Raymond Comprés served a "Traditional Dominican Roasted Pork with casabe and yucca."
Guests who attended this year's Embassy Chef Challenge and voted for their favorite embassies selected collectively gave the first place for the People's Choice Award to Chefs Damain Leach and Ann Marie Leach of the Embassy of Barbados, for their "Curry Lamb, Breadfruit Coucou, and Bajan Sweet Bread."
To accompany the delicious food and drink, performances from different countries were presented on the stage, including Beijing Opera, Panamanian folk dance and Bolivian folk dance.
