Previous Story
Villanueva wins contest at Saturday’s Taste kickoff
|
Posted on May 06 2019
Marianas Visitors Authority staff, guests, and dignitaries cut the ribbon to kick off the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas at the American Memorial Park last Saturday. (Photos by REICA RAMIREZ)
The 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden kicked off last Saturday at American Memorial Park with a series of entertainment at the main stage, 20 food vendors, three drinks vendors, and a kadun pika cooking competition at the secondary stage.
The opening night featured many entertainment groups such as the Tasi and the Aliis and traditional performances from the Korean Cultural Center.
Marianas Visitors Authority hosted the Kadun Pika Contest (spicy chicken), which was sponsored by Ladder Beach Restaurant. The contestants were judged on the tenderness of the chicken, the level of spice, the presentation of the food, and the overall taste.
The winner of the Kadun Pika Contest was Shayne Villanueva, with his concoction he called “Roil Soil Sauce.” He used ingredients from the Saturday farmers’ market, the Sabalu Market, and Saipan Brewing Co.’s pika beer.
Villanueva’s prize for his victory was a one-night stay at Hyatt Regency Saipan, a dinner buffet for two at Kili Cafe, a $250 gift certificate at Chairman M. restaurant, and a $50 gift certificate to Ladder Beach Restaurant.
Second place went to Freddy Salavaria and Francis, also known as “Da Kompires.” Third place went to “Guns ‘n Hoses,” a team of police and firefighters working to serve the public.
The other five contestants were Andrew Songsong, Jesse Mesa, “Naughty Native,” and “Barola Team.”
The festival will be open every Saturday throughout the month of May from 6pm to 10pm.
The festival will also feature the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands Junior Chefs Competition on May 25, sponsored by Triple J Five Star Wholesale.
Taste of the Marianas is a signature event of the MVA and is one of the largest celebrations in the Marianas. The festival features international cuisine at affordable prices from local hotels and restaurant vendors and non- stop live entertainment.
-
- Sunrise Band and Refaluwasch Warriors perform the U.S. and CNMI national anthems at the opening ceremony for the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas at the American Memorial Park last Saturday.
-
- D’Elegance Cafe’s booth at the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas at the American Memorial Park during the start of the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas last Saturday.
-
- Tourists check out at the Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan’s booth at the American Memorial Park during the start of the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas last Saturday.
-
- The food prepared at the Kadun Pika Contest are displayed at the start of the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas last Saturday.
-
- “Da Kompires” wins second place in the Kadun Pika Contest. at the start of the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas last Saturday.
-
- Shayne Villanueva’s concoction, which he called “Roil Soil Sauce,” is the winner of the 2019 Kadun Pika Contest at the start of the 21st Annual Taste of the Marianas last Saturday.
