‘Pacific Paradise’ menu for Top Chef contest

Roast pig and reef fish eskabeche and more “Pacific Paradise” cuisine await attendees of the CNMI Next Top Chef 2017 competition at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan tomorrow.

The event is jointly organized by the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation.

This year’s menu was prepared by CNMI Next Top Chef organizing committee member and Grandvrio Resort Saipan executive chef Samson Tan, with the dishes coming straight from HANMI members hotels supporting the event.

Dishes will include Chamorro rice, and baby back ribs BBQ donated by Grandvrio Resort Saipan, seafood pasta in pesto sauce and reef fish eskabeche donated by Hyatt Regency Saipan, roast pig and sushi donated by Saipan World Resort, beef pot roast and butter vegetables donated by Kanoa Resort Saipan, chicken kelaguen with titiyas and sweet potato & taro salad donated by Mariana Resort & Spa, assorted local fruits platter and local fresh green salad donated by Laolao Bay Golf & Resort, crispy lumpia and ahi poki donated by Aqua Resort Club, roast pig and chocolate fondue donated by Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, and yam cheesecake, cassava cake, and coconut latiyas donated by Pacific Islands Club Saipan.

“We want to bring an exciting event, not just for good food but also the excitement of live professional cooking competition. We’ve been planning and doing a lot of conceptualization for the past three months with the help and support of a lot of people from the Top Chef Committee and to the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands officers and members, with all proceeds benefitting the Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation,” said Tan.

Tickets are $50 per person and will be included in the event’s raffle drawing. Individuals attending the event are encouraged to dress comfortably in “Pacific Paradise” style for the outside venue at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan dinner show pavilion.

The list of sponsors for the CNMI Next Top Chef 2017 competition continues to grow in advance of Thursday’s event, with Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC and Bank of Saipan stepping forward as sponsors of the event.

They join gold sponsors Marianas Visitors Authority, Marianas Variety, and IT&E. Silver sponsors are Wushin Corp. and KCNM-KZMI. Bronze sponsors are Docomo Pacific, Micronesian Brokers, Let’s Go! Tour, SeaTouch, Bank of Saipan, Tools of the Trade, Pacific Wines & Spirits, Dr. Beth Kohnen, and Dr. David Grauman.

“We are fortunate for HANMI…organizing this annual competition,” said Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation president Rose Smith.

“Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan and Kanoa Resort helped Kagman High School last year in repairing their kitchen appliances, which was desperately needed by their culinary class.

“Last week, Fiesta donated 50 kitchen towels to their kitchen. We are thankful for the event because it is not only helping us raise funds, but at the same time inspiring chefs to showcase their skills and help young culinary students from Kagman High School.

“Special thanks to HANMI [board chair] Gloria Cavanagh, the general managers of HANMI member hotels, and the Committee for helping with the planning and logistics,” she said.

This year’s CNMI Next Top Chef contest is the fifth Top Chef competition of Empty Vessel Ministry since its inception in 2011.

This current contest will feature 12 chefs vying for the top prizes in a “Chopped”-style competition, live on-stage in three rounds to prepare appetizers, main entrée, and a dessert.

Top prizes are $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $300 for third place.

Additional supporting HANMI member hotels are Kensington Hotel Saipan, Century Hotel, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, and Aquarius Beach Tower. Collaborating partners are Northern Marianas Trades Institute and Kagman High School Culinary class. Additional sponsors and supporters are: Aon Insurance, Atkins Kroll, Century Insurance, Century Tours Saipan, Chung Nam Corp., Current CNMI, Ernest & Young, Gree Air Condition, Godfather’s Bar, H-Mart, I Love Saipan, Hertz Rent A Car, Island Training Solutions, Japan Water System, JC Marketing Inc., Joeten Susupe, JWS Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, L&Q Corp., Natasha Service Center, National Office Supply, Pacific Home Appliance, Saipan Inc & One Pacific Distributors, Pacific Trading, PEGS LLC/Pacific, S.P.E. Rep. Francisco Santos Dela Cruz (Saipan) Inc., Saint Trading Co, Stars & Stripes Cruises in Paradise, Triple J Five Star Wholesale, V-Kool Advanced Window Film Tech., D&Q Saipan, Godfather’s Bar, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, UR Tent, KKMP, Saipan Tribune, KSPN2. Power 99, PTI, and Deloitte & Touche.

Corporations and individuals interested in donating to the event or purchasing tickets may contact EVM at 235-2340 or 483-0162. (PR)