Kate Michael, @kstreetkate, is a Writer/Model/On-Camera Host and Event Emcee. Notable as the Founder and current Editor-At-Large of K Street Magazine, Kate started the site while serving as Miss District of Columbia 2006 and competing in Miss America (2007). Currently, Kate works as a professional spokesperson and model, walking the runway for such industry icons as Valentino, Derek Lam, Naeem Kahn and Oscar de la Renta. Her media portfolio includes a spread in Elle magazine and features on Inside Edition and BBC World News’ “The Real Cities” series. You’ll catch her interviewing guests on DC’s NewChannel8′s Let’s Talk Live and showcasing products on BestBuy.com, as well as work appearing on NBC, Fox, Comcast and local print publications.

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Panama, Barbados Take Top Honors at 14th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge

in Around Town, Contests, Culture, Eats, Parties/Events

The 14th annual Embassy Chef Challenge took place at Union Station, coinciding with the State of the Union at the Capitol just steps away.

Guests traveled the world with their taste buds, enjoying unique flavors and cultural performances as over 20 embassy chefs tried to win their votes in some friendly competition.

Saudi Arabia serves Jareesh, Date Cake, Pistachio Cake, and Truffles at the 14th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge. Image credit: Kate Michael

Embassy chefs — showcasing the unique flavors, food products, and beverages of their home countries — competed to win the coveted People’s Choice Award, chosen by guests’ votes, as well as the Judges’ Choice Award, selected by a panel of influential members of the cultural and culinary communities.

Attendees at the 14th annual Embassy Chef Challenge at Union State. Image credit: Kate Michael

The winners?

Judges chose Chef Jovana Urriola representing the Embassy of the Republic of Panama with a Panamanian Style Afro Caribbean Chicken Tamale Dumpling. Chefs Lin Song, Lu Tao, Li XiaoFeng, Jia Wehhni and Zhu Xianglin, representing the Embassy of the People’s Republic of Chinawon second place in the category with their variety of Sichuan Spicy Fish, Kung Pao Shrimp Balls, Sichuan Cold Spicy Noodles and Snowy Mooncakes. In third, Chefs Aris and Raymond Compres, from the Embassy of the Dominican Republic, serving Traditional Dominican Roasted Pork with casabe and yucca (from indigenous Tainos).

Chef Szabo Balazs serves a Hungarian specialty at the 14th annual Embassy Chef Challenge. Image credit: Kate Michael

Mixologist Darwin Banegas from the Embassy of Peru took home the Best Beverage Award, presented by Pepsi, with a Peruvian Chica Morada.

Best bite? Panama’s Curry Lamb and Breadfruit Coucou and Bajan Sweet Bread. Image credit: Kate Michael

And the night’s attendees also had a voice, choosing People’s Choice. Chefs Damain Leach and Ann Marie Leach of the Embassy of Barbados took home first place with their Curry Lamb and Breadfruit Coucou and Bajan Sweet Bread. Second People’s Choice went to Chef Bandar Alhenaki from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia with their Jareesh, Date Cake, Pistachio Cake, and Truffles. And Chef Wattanaphong Kongwattana representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand placed third with the Beef Massaman Curry and Pla Goong.

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  3. Inside the 10 Anniversary DC Embassy Chef Challenge
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