Embassy Chef Challenge 2011
Denmark Chef Named Winner of Cultural Tourism DC’S Embassy Chef Challenge 2011
Chef Lars Beese, from the Royal Danish Embassy, Wins Top Honors at the International Culinary Competition
Chef Lars Beese, chef for the Royal Danish Embassy, won top honors at the third edition of Cultural Tourism DC’s Embassy Chef Challenge, the annual culinary competition for Washington, DC embassy chefs on April 12 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Chef Beese won both the “Judge’s Choice” award, the top honor of the competition and the “Challenge Belgium” award, the preliminary competition. Chef Beese’s winning dish was a creamy asparagus soup and roast duck breast with apple and plum chutney. Chef Jose Luis Fernandez from the Embassy of Peru, won the “Peoples’ Choice” for his Peruvian ceviche. Embassy Chef Challenge was co-hosted by Cultural Tourism DC and the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.
“I want to congratulate Chef Beese, Chef Fernandez, and all of this year’s competitors,” said Cultural Tourism DC Executive Director Linda Donavan Harper. “The chefs presented a wonderful taste of international cuisine and culture. We look forward to showing off many of these embassies again during Passport DC, a month-long celebration of international events and activities in May.”
The 2011 panel of judges included 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 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.
Embassy Chef Challenge 2011 serves as an appetizer in supporting Cultural Tourism DC’s Passport DC, a month long celebration of international culture. In May, Washington, DC explores its international connections with embassy open houses, street festivals, special performances, exhibits, and much more. Many events are free or at low cost and open to the public.
What people are saying about Embassy Chef Challenge 2011
See video from Challenge Belgium, the first part of Embassy Chef Challenge 2011 held on Saturday, March 26, in the kitchens of the World Bank.
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