Lady’s Choice Awards the ‘Choice of the Nation’

Manila Food Events: Unilever Food Solutions and Lady’s Choice Award the ‘Choice of the Nation’

Ten talented Filipino chefs and cooks whip up the most innovative mayo-based dips. As UFS and Lady’s Choice hail the winning recipe at the ‘Choice of the Nation’ Grand Cook Off. The grand cook off was held last September 13, 2018 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. It was an afternoon of fun (and tasty) culinary showcase. The event was attended by fellow chefs, the contenders’ family and friends, and selected media partners.

The Road to Become ‘Choice of Nation’

And it wasn’t an easy choice! I mean, Lady’s Choice Mayonnaise is awesome as it is. But by pairing it with other tasty condiments and ingredients, I bet it will be 100x more delicious. And so, out of 87 entries submitted over the last three months, the top ten dip creations were chosen. Created by ten of the most skilled culinarians in the country made their way to the much-awaited Choice of the Nation Grand Cook Off by Unilever Foods Solutions (UFS) and Lady’s Choice. And the most innovative mayo-based dip recipe was hailed as the first-ever “Choice of the Nation.”

“We are excited to finally hail the unique dip creations of our talented Filipino chefs and cooks that made the cut to be part of the Choice of the Nation Grand Cook Off,” says James Benedict Carreon, Managing Director of UFS Philippines. “These recipes showcase exciting flavors out of the ingenuity of the chefs that made them. Which send a signal to the Filipino diners for more enjoyable culinary experiences ahead.”

 

A One-of-a-Kind Culinary Competition

Choice of the Nation is a one-of-a-kind culinary competition. It challenges chefs and cooks to whip up uniques mayo-based dips that will capture the discriminating palates of the Filipino diners.

Carreon explains, ” This seemingly simple condiment has a power of its own. Dips may be simple and not too costly to make. But it is very versatile that it allows chefs to concoct unique recipes that can elevate the taste and experience of their signature dishes. It is even better with the familiar rich taste and creamy goodness of Lady’s Choice Real mayonnaise. Which has already been embedded in the Filipino’s palate for many generations and through significant milestones.”

And I couldn’t agree more! We have tried other mayonnaise brands in the past out of curiosity. But I guess, nothing really compares to Lady’s Choice Mayonnaise. Because of the rich quality and taste that it offers.

 

Top 10 Lady’s Choice Mayo-Based Dip Recipes Chosen

The dip contenders that vied  for the coveted “Choice of the Nation” title were:

1. Honey A1 Carolina Reaper Mayo by Chef Sonny Balaga Jr.
2. Thai Chili Honey Dressing by Chef Edward Taponan
3. Basi Dip by Chef Natasha Besteben
4. Tom Yum Mayo by Chef Ryan Singson
5. Socorro’s All Time Favorite by Chef Sharmaine Santos
6. Hawaiian Jerk Dip by Chef Ross Benito
7. Wings Gone Wild’ Garlic Ranch Dip by Chef Jerina Castillo
8. Alamang Con Mayo by Chef Villa Amor Loresca
9. The Fish Mongers Remoulade by Chef Jayrald Yambao
10. Spicy Cream Cheese mayo with Roasted Capsicum by Chef Angelo Guison

The panel of judges included five of the country’s biggest names in the culinary industry. This included Chef Fernando Aracama, Chef Rob Pengson, Chef Sau del Rosario, Chef Kalel Chan and Chef Brando Santos. Each recipe was judged according to five criteria items. Taste, food presentation, creativity and innovation, audience voting, and the proper use of Lady’s Choice infused in each dip creation.

Along with their partners and sous chefs, each contender was given one (1) hour to whip up their meals. It was an indeed an hour of crazy busy in the Lady’s Choice giant kitchen. Of course, all of us got to taste the amazing recipes the finalists whipped up. Honestly, everything was so good and innovative. Some really pushed the limits though that I’m already thinking of how to recreate them at home. Nonetheless, it was such a hard choice to cast our top favorite.

 

The winners of the First-ever “Choice of the Nation”

The first-ever “Choice of the Nation” bagged a cash prize of P100,000 from a special gift pack from UFS and Lady’s Choice. This was none other than Chef Edward Taponan’s Thai Chili Honey Dressing. And it was much deserving so. It was a perfect marriage of sweet and spicy flavors!

The first and second runners-up took home P80,000 and P50,000, respectively, plus a special gift pack from UFS. First runner-up was Chef Villa Amor Loresca’s Alamang Con Mayò (my top favorite)!

While Chef Jayrald Yambao’s The Fish Mongers Remoulade bagged second runner up.

 

While whipping up a dip seem to be an easy task in the kitchen, the aim of the competition is to push the skills of Filipino chefs. As well as to pursue food innovation, and unravel genuine kitchen. This is aligned with the mission of UFS in helping push forward the food service industry.

“We at Unilever Food Solutions believe and support the one true mission of every Filipino cook and chef. To delight their customers with exquisite dishes. As such, we strive to help them develop their craft through the products and services we carry. So they can continue to deliver a remarkable dining experience for their customers,” Carreon concludes.

The Choice of the Nation Grand Cook Off is supported by Masflex Cookware and Kitchenware, Kitchenpro, and Unox. To know more about Choice of the Nation, visit ufs.com or the Lady’s Choice Facebook page.