Food News: Top Ten Semi-Finalists for Bord Bia's East Meets West Culinary Competition Revealed

And then there were ten. From over a hundred entries in Bord Bia's East Meets West Culinary Competition, ten semi-finalists have been selected to advance to the final round... 

Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, recently announced the ten semi-finalists who will advance to the final round of the East Meets West Culinary Competition where five winners will embark on a memorable culinary tour of Ireland as well as other prizes (for more on the culinary competition by Bord Bia, see my earlier post, Food News: East Meets West in a Culinary Competition by the Irish Food Board). The competition included a wide range of entries, from professionals to home chefs and even bloggers and influencers who showcased their specialty beef and pork dishes. The competition also highlighted the versatility and premium quality of Irish pork and beef in the winning dishes. Read on for the list of semi-finalists who may be on their way to the famed Emerald Isle...

Blessed by lush and fertile lands, a mild climate with abundant rainfall and surrounded by bountiful marine resources, it's really no wonder why some of the world's finest beef, pork, dairy and seafood come from Ireland. The Irish Food Board, or simply Bord Bia, ensures that the quality of food production meets the stringent and uncompromising standards set by the EU for sustainability, traceability and food safety. Farm to fork is not just a mere food trend, it's the philosophy behind every food product that comes from the Emerald Isle. And when it comes from Ireland, you just know you're getting some of the world's finest beef...  

...and pork (for more on Irish beef and pork, see my posts, Let's Talk Irish Beef...at the Bord Bia Dinner in Discovery Primea's Flame on the near legendary status of Irish beef and The Chef's Choice: Bord Bia Brings World-Class Quality Irish Pork and Beef to the Philippines and to Your Plate on their equally renowned Irish pork). The East Meets West Culinary Competition by Bord Bia presents the world-class quality of Irish beef and pork translated in comforting dishes executed by both professionals and home chefs and even bloggers and influencers to reflect the versatility of the quality produce. And from more than a hundred entries, the panel of judges have selected ten semi-finalists who will advance to the finals. Meet the talented ten and their winning dishes made with Irish beef and pork...

1. Alexis Manuel Deocaris of ForkSpoonManila with his Pork Adobo with Coconut Cream.
2. Donie Bigkas, a student of CCA, with his Bisperas ng Pista.
3. Francis Dave Lacson Selorio, an Executive Chef, with his Baked Laing Stuffed Pork Belly with Adlai garnished with Pancit-pancitan.
4. Jeffrey Ayento, recipe consultant, with his Pan-Seared Beef Short Ribs with Charcoal Coconut Sauce and Ensaladang Talong.
5. Karla Ramos of KarlaAroundtheWorld with her Sizzling Beef Shank Pochero.
6. Karl Kenneth Watson, home cook, with his Braised Pork Adobo with Fondant Potato, Pineapple Foam garnished with Coriander.
7. Kenneth Villanueva, university student, with his Tamarind and Balsamic Braised Beef Short Ribs with Kapampangan Bringhe Arancini, Cauliflower Puree and Sauteed Vegetables.
8. Marichu Jung, culinary student, with her Roast Pork Belly with Adobong Kangkong and Pureed Quenelle Pumpkin.
9. Nathaniel Deocaris, professional chef, with his Crispy Pork Belly Kare-Kare with homemade Peanut Crackers and Tomato& Shrimp Fondue.
10. Nathaniel Uy of TheHungryChef with his Bagnet Pipian with Fermented Shrimp Sauce.

The diverse range of culinary skill sets and unique dishes gives you an idea on both the versatility and flexibility of premium Irish pork and beef, adapting well to the Filipino palate. You too can prepare savory pork and beef dishes at home with the world-class quality of Irish pork and beef. 

The final round of competitions will showcase the next pork and beef dishes by the ten semi-finalists for the final selection of five winners who will enjoy a memorable culinary tour of Ireland. Good luck to all the semi-finalists, and with the luck of the Irish, a once in a lifetime journey to the Emerald Isle awaits... 

For more on Bord Bia, visit their FB Page at https://www.facebook.com/BordBia/ and their website at https://www.bordbia.ie/ for more information. You can also check out https://www.facebook.com/EUPorkandBeefPH/ for more local updates.

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