Embassy Chef Challenge!

Last night we went to the ninth annual Embassy Chef Challenge at the Ronald Reagan Building!

We celebrated food and culture by eating around the world as 35 chefs at D.C.'s various embassies served tasty dishes that represented their countries for a friendly competition. We snapped Erickson Immigration Group's Marisa Santana, Elena Nesch, Lieselot Whitebeck and Tarun Dhillon.

Guests voted for their top dish on social media. Some of our favorites were Embassy of Iraq's kibbeh over crusted lamb chops with cilantro mechouia lamb jus, Embassy of Peru's ceviche peruano, causa de pollo and avocado mousse, and Embassy of the Philippines' grilled pork with quail egg and cherry tomato wrapped in banana leaves. Here, Embassy of Uzbekistan's Said Rustamov, Kamol Muhtarovd and Abat Fayzullaev.

We also sipped on wines from Embassy of Greece and Embassy of Azerbaijan, Embassy of Singapore's sling, and 1893's cola-blended cocktails. Here, USPS' Pam Cichon, Kimnastics' Kimberly Gantt, Ambassador of Nicaragua Francisco Campbell, Miriam Hooker and 1893's Harry Bagwell.

Congratulations to the Embassy of Haiti and chef Cynthia Verna for winning the People's Choice award! They served shrimp and plantain chips with a fine herb aioli. Here, Cultural Tourism's Steve and Jean Shulman and The Washington Diplomat's Victor Shiblie.

The Judge's Choice award went to the Embassy of Morocco. Congratulations to chef Moha Fedal, who served marrakech tagia, which is lamb shoulder cooked in a Moroccan clay jar. Here, the Embassy's Robbie Moha, Larbi Rmiki and Yasmina Aitlahri.