‘Embassy Chef Challenge 2011’

Embassy Chef Challenge 2011 attracted over 400 guests, including some diplomats and socialites, and the Mayor of DC, Vincent Gray. Eleven embassy chefs from Europe, Asia and South America participated in the competition, hosted by Cultural Tourism DC, at the Reagan International Trade Center on April 12.

Lars Beese, the chef from the Royal Danish Embassy, won both Judge’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Award.

Joe Yonan, the judge and the Editor of Food and Travel in Washington Post, said the criteria of the selection are based on the taste and appearance of the food. Since all the food are so good, it was very hard for them to make the decision.

“From the Bahamas to Uzbekistan, this year’s Embassy Chef Challenge guarantees to satisfy your craving for international flavor so vital to the culture of Washington, DC. These fantastic chefs create delicious delicacies year around that are often not available to many DC foodies. We are excited to have them share their culinary talents [and] help support the arts and culture of Washington, DC.” said the Executive Director of Cultural Tourism DC, Linda Harper.

Harper told The Epoch Times that this was the third year for them to host this annual culinary competition. This is just the beginning of a series of cultural events they host this year. In May, there will be the 4th annual Passport DC, which will feature with embassy open houses, street festivals, special performances, exhibits, etc. Many of these events are free or at low cost and open to public.

This year’s Passport DC events include Short Cut to Europe on May 7 with European Embassies Open House, Around the World Embassy Tour on May 14, National Asian Heritage Festival on May 21, and Meridian International Children’s Festival on May 21.

Details are available on: www.CulturalTourismDC.org