Washington, DC – Cultural Tourism DC dishes up a third edition of Embassy Chef Challenge, their annual culinary competition for world-class, Washington, DC embassy chefs. Fifteen embassy chefs representing a sampling of cuisines from around the world will showcase their global flavor to impress a panel of celebrity judges and more than 400 guests in competition for the coveted Judge’s Choice Award and People’s Choice Award. Embassy Chef Challenge 2011 will be held Tuesday, April 12 from 6:30 to 10:00 pm in the atrium of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW. The 2011 Embassy Chef Challenge is co-hosted by Cultural Tourism DC and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

Embassy Chef Challenge is an annual benefit for Cultural Tourism DC. The event serves to savor the arts, culture, and history of Washington, DC by supporting Cultural Tourism DC’s free programs and events throughout the year. The evening features hors d’oeuvres, created for guests by DC embassy chefs, as well as a silent auction.

“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,” said Cultural Tourism DC’s Executive Director Linda Donavan Harper. “These fantastic chefs create delicious delicacies year round that are often not available to many DC foodies. We are excited to have them share their culinary talents to help support the arts and culture of Washington, DC.”

This year’s panel of judges includes Joe Yonan, The Washington Post food and travel editor; Chef Jan Van Haute, chef-in-residence at the Embassy of Belgium and winner of Embassy Chef Challenge 2010; Chef Bruce Barnes, senior executive chef for Restaurant Associates, World Bank Group; Chef Maziar Farivar, chef and co-owner of Georgetown's Peacock Café; Chef Tamesha Warren, Sous Chef at The Oval Room and Top Chef contestant; Chef Ann Cashion, Chef and Co-Owner of Johnny’s Half Shell; and Chef Xavier Deshayes, Executive Chef of the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Guests of Embassy Chef Challenge will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite competitor for the People’s Choice Award.