J’S fried chicken eating competition on May 19 at ‘Taste’

Spencer Marchadesh, center, and Joel Camacho, won first place in the Joeten Barbecue Ribs Cook-off at the 20th Annual Taste of The Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden on May 12, 2018, at American Memorial Park. From left are judges Shayne Villanueva, Jackie Nicolas, Laxmi Shrestha; Camacho, Marchadesch and children, judge Emi Okazaki, Marianas Visitors Authority managing director Christopher A. Concepcion, and judge chef Samson Tan. (Contributed Photo)

The 20th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival & Beer Garden returns this Saturday with the J’s Fried Chicken Eating Competition, pitting local contenders against Japan’s famous female food fighter, Sachiyo Masubuchi.

Masubuchi will take on all local challengers in the J’s Fried Chicken Eating Competition Saturday on the main stage at 7pm to see who will finish 30 pieces of chicken fastest in 20 minutes. The winner walks away—if they can still walk—with $1,000 cash.

In a sneak peek of Saturday’s main event, Masubuchi will visit J’s Restaurant this Friday, May 18, at 7:30pm and receive a formal introduction to the community and fellow contenders by the Marianas Visitors Authority. Masubuchi holds numerous records in Japan and is well- known in Japan as a TV personality, model, actress and a beauty contestant.

The festival raked in its largest token sales ever in the 20-year history of the festival on May 12.

“‘Taste’ just keeps getting better!” said MVA managing director Christopher A. Concepcion. “Last week’s release of tax returns was also a huge boost, and people are in a good place and want to come out enjoy themselves at the festival with friends and family. We’ve also created a number of new and exciting competitions this year to draw the crowd and have ramped up promotions. It’s Tourism Month, and this is a great example of how a healthy tourism economy lends itself to a vibrant community. We invite everyone to join us this Saturday for our most exciting food competition, the J’s Fried Chicken Eating Competition featuring Sachiyo Masubuchi.”

Saturday’s “Taste” will also offer the opportunity for the audience to make titiyas and apigigi from 7pm to 9pm with home cook Sandra Babauta.

Last Saturday, May 12, the “Go Well with Joel” team of Joel Camacho and Spencer Marchadesch served up the tastiest ribs to win first place prize of a $300 Joeten gift certificate and IT&E cellphone. Second place and a $200 Joeten gift certificate and IT&E cellphone went to Patrick Cepeda of Mama’s Love, and third place and an IT&E cellphone went to the Sugar and Spice team of Angelo Camacho and Joey Tudela. Also competing were Smokers Anonymous (Gerald Boyer and J.D. Tenorio) and Uncle and Nephew (Roy Tudela and Joe Duenas). Judges were Chef Samson Tan, CNMI Next Top Chef Laxmi Shrestha, Emi Okazaki, Jackie Nicolas, and Shayne Villanueva.

Participating food vendors are Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Kanoa Resort, Pacific Islands Club Saipan, Coral Ocean Golf Resort, Kensington Hotel Saipan, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., Tony Roma’s/Capricciosa, Furusato Restaurant, Kinpachi Restaurant, Matty’s BBQ, D’Elegance Restaurant, The Hut, Herman’s Modern Bakery, Thai House, Terry’s Snack Bar, Sierra Pearl Shake, and Tropical Chills. Participating drink vendors are MARPAC, Pacific Trading Co, and Saipan Brewing Co. (MVA)