Chuzi Rios and Bel Gurundi were awarded trophies and $500 cash after garnering 460 points for their entrees — a certified Angus beef flank steak stuffed with Basil Fontina cheese with shrimp Chablis sauce, and Marianas Sweet Shrimp cakes and grilled flank steak.
Rios has been with PIC for the past 12 years while Gurundi has been working for the hotel for three years.
It was the first time for both chefs to join the contest.
“We’re newcomers in the contest but we just did our best and it worked,” Rios said.
Fiesta Resort & Spa’s Pedro C. Sique and Jay Foster won $300 and trophies for winning second place with 408 points.
Hyatt Regency Saipan’s Edwin Ocenar and Alvin Dela Cruz placed third, winning $200 and trophies for garnering 396 points. Palms Resort Saipan got 346 points while Aqua Resort Club garnered 336 points.
The beef and reef chefs competition was the highlight of the month-long Taste of the Marianas celebration.
The five participating teams were given a chance to show their skills and ingenuity in culinary creations using certified Angus beef flank steak and Marianas Sweet Shrimp.
The entries were judged on appearance of the dishes, tenderness, texture and taste as well as presentation of the theme.
Master of ceremonies Ken Stewart, the Guam Food Guy, said there were fewer contestants compared to last year.
“This year, judging has been very hard because the menu is a marriage of beef and shrimp,” he said.
He commended Saipan’s locally grown sweet shrimp and said the competition was the best chance to showcase and promote this local product.
PIC took over the crown from the previous chefs challenge winner, Marianas Resort.
Sponsors for the competition were the Marianas Visitors Authority, the certified Angus beef brand, Marianas Sweet Shrimp, and Saipan Triple J Five Star Wholesale.
Saturday’s Beef and Reef chef’s challenge capped the month-long competitions in different categories including the table skirting competition on May 2, the Beach Road Burger Cook-off on May 9, the Hotdog Eating Competition on May 16, and the Bartenders Competition on May 23.
The Taste of the Marianas Food Festival & Beer Garden is organized by MVA and the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands and is held on each Saturday of May.
