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Taste of the Marianas gets cookin’
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Posted on May 11 2012
The first weekend of the 14th Annual Taste of the Marianas International Food Festival and Beer Garden got cookin’ last Saturday, May 5, with 15 vendors serving up delectable dishes and last year’s hotdog eating champ returning to reclaim his title.
“Last weekend’s kick-off was a solid start to what we hope will be another great month of Taste of the Marianas,” said Community Projects manager Martin Duenas of the Marianas Visitors Authority. “Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a chance to catch up with friends, we encourage everyone to make the festival a part of their May Tourism Month celebration.”
Festivities this Saturday, May 12, will feature the Pie-eating Competition at 8pm. Participants may register on site on a first-come, first-serve basis. The night’s entertainment will include Green Meadow School, Koblerville Umang Glee Club, CAB Dancers, Alan la, W.S.R. Elementary MY WAVE Club, Sisters Forever, and Latte Vibe.
“Taste,” as called by locals, will continue every Saturday evening beginning at 6pm throughout the month at American Memorial Park. Local hotels and restaurants offer fine fare at a reasonable fare, with most dinner items at $6 or less. Throughout the evening, live entertainment was offered on the main stage while secondary entertainment and competitions will take place at the secondary stage. 


Last Saturday, Simon Jed returned to the hotdog eating competition for competitors under age 18 to win first prize for the second year in a row, followed by Darwin Maura and Ju Won Jung. The three walked away three hotdogs full and $50, $30, and $20 richer, respectively, for their efforts.
Not to be outdone, 10 adult competitors lined up an hour later for their chance at fame and fast cash. Walking away with the same prize package were Rob Epley of Saipan, Hyuk Kweon of Korea, and Gyu Hyung of Korea.
The rest of the month will feature the Bartenders’ Cocktail Competition on May 19, while the Chefs’ Competition on May 26 will pit hotel junior chefs in a cook-off highlighting a select cut of Certified Angus Beef and local ingredients. Arts and crafts will also be on sale each evening. (MVA)
