Budding Chefs, Mixologists create magic with US Premium Agricultural Products at seventh edition of restaurant, catering show

Mumbai saw an exciting Culinary and Mixology Competition for budding chefs and mixologists at the Restaurant and Catering Show (RECA) today.

The competition was supported by the Western Indian Culinary Association and Hospitality First. The prime objective of this campaign was to highlight the uniqueness of the several US premium agricultural products in the Indian HORECA Industry: US Cranberries, Washington Apples, USA Pears, California Walnuts and US Pecans.

The much-awaited show got an excellent start with Thomas L. Vajda, US Consul General in Mumbai, along with other dignitaries, gracing the occasion for the inauguration ceremony.

Consul General Vajda inaugurated the US Premium Agricultural Products display booth, and remarked: "It's great to be here at RECA, Mumbai. India is a one of the most important export markets for US Premium Ag. Products and we strive to bring in the freshest produce and dry fruits to discerning consumers. This show is a wonderful opportunity for the US industry to introduce its target audience to the taste and experience of a wide range of US Premium Agricultural Products."

The Culinary and Mixology Competition was a great success with participation from over 50 chefs and mixologists from Mumbai. Enthusiastic and talented participants created innovative recipes using the finest US Premium Agricultural Products such as US Cranberries, Washington Apples, USA Pears, California Walnuts and US Pecans as the main ingredients.

Chef Ravinder Singh and Chef Dhanesh from Saptami - Holiday Inn and Varad Rawshinge from Terttulia were declared as the winners of the Culinary and Mixology Competition respectively.

The winning creations for the culinary competition were Wonton Wrapped Masala Jhinga, Balsamic Poached Pear Mesclun Goat Cheese and Pecan with Cranberry Dressing and Kadai Masala Crusted Lamb Chop with Nihari Jus. For the Mixology competition the winning Mocktail was Cinnister and the Cocktail was GT2.

The winners were chosen by the esteemed jury, reputed industry members and USDA officials.

Talking about the initiative, Keith Sunderlal, India representative, US Cranberry Marketing Committee, said: "We would like to congratulate the winners of the Culinary and Mixology Competition for creating such innovative recipes using US Premium Agricultural Products.

Clearly, the participants have taken the competition to another level by their outstanding performance. We are extremely motivated by the response we got from the participants as well as the visitors. Looking at the show's success, we are confident that we managed to strike the right chord with our audience.