Winners of the 2024 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge Announced
International culinary competition brings delicious sips and bites to Union Station
Washington, D.C. – Attendees of the 2024 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge gathered to travel the world with their taste buds, sampling bites and beverages from participating DC-based foreign embassies. Embassy chefs showcased the unique flavors, food products and beverages of their home countries in a culinary showdown at the historic Union Station. Chefs competed to win the coveted People’s Choice Award, chosen by guests’ votes, as well as the Judges’ Choice Award, selected by a panel of influential members of the cultural and culinary communities.
The coveted international culinary competition took over Union Station for the 2024 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge. (Photo Credit: Events DC)
Chef Jovana Urriola representing the Embassy of Panama took home first place in the Judge’s Choice category with their Panamanian Style Afro Caribbean Chicken Tamale Dumplings. Chefs Lin Song, Lu Tao, Li XiaoFeng, Jia Wehhni and Zhu Xianglin representing the Embassy of the People's Republic of China won second place in the category with their variety of Sichuan Spicy Fish, Kung Pao Shrimp Balls, Sichuan Cold Spicy Noodles and Snowy Mooncakes. Placing third, Chefs Aris and Raymond Compres representing the Embassy of the Dominican Republic served a popular dish of Traditional Dominican Roasted Pork with casabe and yucca (from indigenous Tainos).
Attendees of the night had the opportunity to vote for their favorite embassies as they tasted their way around the globe. Chefs Damian Leach and Ann-Marie Leach representing the Embassy of Barbados took home first place with their Curry Lamb and Breadfruit Coucou. Second People’s Choice to Chef Bandar Alhenaki from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia with their serving of Jareesh, Dates Cake, Pistachio Cake and Truffles. And Chef Wattanaphong Kongwattana representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand placed third with the Beef Massaman Curry and Pla Goong.
This year the Embassy of Peru took home the Best Beverage Award presented by Pepsi chosen by the judges. Mixologist Darwin Banegas shook up the competition with their Peruvian Chica Morada.
Media ready photos of the event are available here and will continue to be updated. All photos can be credited to Events DC.
The 2024 Events DC Embassy Chef Challenge was made possible with help from partners: Pepsi, Giant Food, Breakthru Beverage, and Land Rover Alexandria.
About Events DC
Events DC, the official convention and sports authority for Washington, DC, delivers premier event services and flexible venues across the nation’s capital. Leveraging the power of a world-class destination and creating amazing attendee experiences, Events DC generates economic and community benefits through the attraction and promotion of business, athletic, entertainment and cultural activities. Events DC oversees the LEED Gold-certified Walter E. Washington Convention Center, an anchor of the District’s hospitality and tourism economy and the historic Carnegie Library at Mt. Vernon Square. Events DC manages the RFK Stadium-Armory Campus (RFK Campus), including Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Festival Grounds at RFK Campus, The Fields at RFK, the non-military functions of the DC Armory and the Skate Park at RFK Stadium. Events DC also built and serves as landlord for Nationals Park, the first LEED-certified major professional sports stadium in the United States. Events DC manages Gateway DC, R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center and Entertainment & Sports Arena all conveniently located in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.eventsdc.com and find us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Events DC), and Twitter (@TheEventsDC) — and on our new hub for on-demand event programming on GATHER by Events DC at www.gatherbyeventsdc.com.
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