With the first competition tackling the wider array of flavors that the region has to offer, the 2nd competition delved into a more familiar, more homegrown theme. Challenging students and pro’s alike to come up with a fusion cuisine of their native province of Ilocos. With bagnet, poque-poque, Ibago and other Ilocano dishes, the students came up with some of the more creative ideas. There were still that needed that extra oomph, but most of the dishes were pretty good.
As one of the chefs mentioned while they were judging, these students do not lack the creativity as well as the ambition to cook good food. But what they do lack, is the execution as well as technical skills. Luckily, the chef mentioned, that these things can be taught!
True indeed.
