Cagayan de Oro’s winningest culinary school has done it again!
Monster Kitchen Academy (representing Mindanao) won a bronze medal as 2nd runner up in the Chef Wars, the Main Event of the 10th National Food Showdown held 19-21 October 2016 at CAP John Hay Trade & Cultural Center in Baguio City.
NFS Winners
MIHCA (representing Luzon) was the overall champion while Shangri-La Cebu (representing Visayas) finished 1st Runner Up.
MKA wins a bronze medal at the Chef Wars of the 10th National Food Showdown in Baguio City (photos courtesy of Nollie Arguelles & COHARA)
Despite competing with only two team members (one of the team members was indisposed), the duo of Vahjna Babia and Hasanah Sani Macapaar did Mindanao proud with their renditions of Poached shrimp mousse wrapped in grouper and blanched vegetables with shrimp bisque sauce, deep fried shrimp crouquette with remoulade sauce, braised cabbage and roasted cherry tomato (1st dish); Gratinated shrimp with hollandaise, pommes darphin, mushroom ragout, glazed baby carrots, parisienne vegetables, buttered asparagus and shallot confit (2nd dish) and Baked shrimp and sauteed leeks quiche with local mesclun and micro greens with grated turnips and radish vinaigrette (3rd dish).
“The experience taught me that it wasn’t as much about winning, but more about learning from the experience, believing in yourself, trusting the people who support you, who share the same passion, vision, dedication and of course thanking God for all the blessings,” noted Ms. Macapaar following the competition. “All of these are like spices and herbs. A pinch and a dust of each can really brighten up a dish, and I know we make good dishes in Monster.”
“The experience was overwhelming and at first, I had my doubts knowing there were only 2 of us in the Mindanao Team. But Chef Cathy really made us believe in ourselves and with God’s grace and Chef Has, we were able to pull it off!” shared Chef Vaj. “The experience made me appreciate my passion for cooking, and I am more determined and eager to learn more and be better now I’ve come to love this profession I’m in.”
The MKA Mindanao Team
Beside their coaches Chefs Cathy Dano and Justin Sison, the Mindanao team was also morally supported by the Cagayan de Oro Hotel and Restaurant Association (COHARA) which was represented by current president Nelia Lee, former president Eileen San Juan and COHARA secretary Nollie Arguelles.
Monster Kitchen Academy earlier won the right to represent Mindanao in the National Food Showdown when its team of Hasanah Sani Macapaar, Ivy Ann P. Duldulao and Jade Charmaine P. Manago won Silver, the highest award in the Chef Wars of the 20th Kumbira, the biggest culinary event and competition outside Metro Manila organized by (COHARA). The team was mentored by Chefs Cathy Dano, Justin Sison, Zyril Daoang, Dara Lyanna Abanil and Elvie Cruz.
Certificates and Medals for the MKA-Mindanao Team
Monster Kitchen Academy has dominated Kumbira for the last five years..
After winning the overall championship in the Professional category of Kumbira for three straight years (2012-2013-2014), MKA won for two straight years (2015-2016) in the student category following its decision to focus on its students for the competitions.
13th Annual HRT 10th NFS
For more details, contact 0917-707-1245/ 8512019 or visit Monster Kitchen Academy at its main kitchen at the 2nd floor, Jardiniano Building, San Agustin-Rizal Street (Facing Gaston Park) or at its satellite kitchen at Mortola St. (facing Ororama Cogon). Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/monsterkitchenacademy
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