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On May 6, 2023, Naval Base Kitsap hosted the Pacific Northwest Culinary Competition in Silverdale, Washington, with Olympic College and the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce. The theme for the Culinary Competition was POW/MIA Memorial. The Culinary Competition brought out the best of the Pacific Northwest Culinarians in the “Battling Chef” competition consisting of teams from Naval Base Kitsap, SUBGRU9, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Naval Station Everett, USS Cape St George, and Joint Base Lewis McCord. “Battling Chefs” were made up of three military culinarians that were required to incorporate the secret ingredients of sablefish and tri-tip sirloin into their dishes. Grades assigned on Plating/Presentation, Originality/ Execution and Flavor, Taste, Texture, and Doneness. The judges included Captain John Hale, Commanding Officer Naval Base Kitsap, Karin Garcia, CNIC Ashore Galleys Program Manager, Wayne Short Navy Region Northwest N92, and Chef Plemmons of Olympic College. Independent judges graded seven side tables: Chili, Ribs, Chicken Wings, Garnishing, Hors d’oeuvres, Specialty rolls, and Cake décor.
The “Battling Chef” and overall winner of the culinary competition was the combined Army and Air Force teams of Joint Base Lewis McCord. Naval Base Kitsap placed second, and USS Cape St George placed third. The competition was open to the public, with over 200 people in attendance.
After a four-year hiatus, judges and the general public are glad to see the Armed Forces Culinary Competition is back!! The “battling Chefs” team winner will ride in the Armed Forces parade on May 20, 2023, representing all armed forces culinarians in the Pacific Northwest.
-Article by: John Alexander, FSO, Naval Base Kitsap
