Participants in the chef competition were challenged to create the level of canapé style hors d'oeuvres that charter guests, or fine dining guests would expect, what a treat! Each canapé had to include Surf and/or Turf (seafood and/or chicken/beef/pork), and each chef had to prepare at least 300 canapés, so that every guest could try them all and vote on their favorite.
Winners were selected by a ‘fan favorite’ style vote, where each guest could cast one vote for their favorite. "It’s a fun and unique chef competition that requires every guest to participate!" said event host Ami Ira of bluewater USA. 9 talented chefs and their assistants masterfully prepared and served over 300 guests. Some creations took a few hours to prepare, some took over 72 hours to prepare, all of them were, without a doubt, amazing and delectable!
And the winners are…….(drumroll please)…….
3rd Place ‘Smoked Pumpkin Mousse with Octoberfest Braised Short Rib and Langostino Ceviche topped with Duck Crackling and a grilled Purple Asparagus Top’ created by Bradley Floyd owner of Bradley's Best Catering and chef onboard Motor Yacht Pipe Dreams.
2nd Place ‘Lions, Lobsters & Pearls - Local Diver Caught Lionfish Poke, House made "Lobster Bacon", and Black Truffle Caviar Pearls’ by Bob Statler Owner of Food Island Catering.
And the 1st Place winner, the returning champion, chef, diver, spearfisherman, world traveler, Paul Kahan, Head Chef on Motor Yacht Kipany. He prepared a ‘72 Hour Sous-Vide Short Rib on a Crostini with Tamarind Bearnaise Sauce and Parsley Coral Tuille’ his combination of fan favorites like short rib and new gastronomic creations like the tuille made for quite a delicious combination. His winning creation last time was ‘Hogfish Avocado Ceviche Taco with a Tequila Mango Gremolata & Key Lime Caviar’
The rest of the fine contenders were Eva Krajcikova, Eric Davis of Motor Yacht Excellence, Kevin Rico head chef on Motor Yacht Rebecca, Ryan Martin head chef of Gastronomy Redefined, Manny Slomovits head chef of Divine Dining, and Charlie Chin head chef of Motor Yacht Romanza.
“The chef competition provides the ideal opportunity for chefs to share their talents, and for us to showcase a taste of what it’s like on board a yacht, or in a Gourmet restaurant. Encouraging guests to charter a yacht, or use these fine chefs for their next night out, or catering need” said Aaron Michaels of
Culinary Convenience.
The emcee for the evening was special guest Ralph Pagano, chef of
Naked Taco in Miami Beach, Florida and television personality who was also the emcee, the bartenders and specialty cocktails were sponsored by Jonathan Pogash -
The Cocktail Guru, Nationally acclaimed mixologist.
Thank you all for coming and check out our
Facebook page to see all the photos!
