| | |  Entertainment | Restaurants & Dining 
Daiquiri Dick’s Mahi Mahi Recipe Contest Winners
 Laura Gelezunas - Video Diva Productions
November 22, 2010
| | More than 10 recipes were submitted for Daiquiri Dick's 1st Annual Mahi Mahi Cooking Contest, and the chefs chose several to prepare for a distinguished panel of judges. (video by Video Diva Productions) | |
They were casting for the best catch of the day during their first Mahi Mahi recipe contest at Daiquiri Dick’s restaurant in Puerto Vallarta. This competition was open to the world, and local entrants who became finalists were invited to prepare their dishes at the restaurant.
"I decided to send in my recipes after some friends convinced me to enter the contest," says Chef Liana Turner, a local competitor, chef and restaurant owner, "I am really glad that I did. It was a great day cooking and hanging out with the staff at Daiquiri Dick's, they were so good to me and helped out a lot and it was just really a pleasant day."
The competition requirements were simple. Use Mahi Mahi, known as Dorado in Mexico, in a unique recipe highlighting the fish, with its light, adaptable flavor. More than 10 recipes were submitted and the chefs chose several to prepare for a distinguished panel of judges.
"I got a chance to taste some incredible food from some incredible chefs," said contest judge Greg Soucy. "They presented four different flavors of Mahi Mahi that were absolutely outstanding. WOW! I was really grateful that I had the opportunity to taste all these dishes that these chefs created and presented, and let me tell you judging was the hardest part, because they were all fabulous."
The recipes from Liana Turner, who had two, Cesar Cuauhtemoc from Vitea and Vince Gelezunas from St. Louis were the finalists. The judging criteria included taste, presentation and compatibility with the Daiquiri Dick’s menu. The local entrants thought this was a good way to promote the area.
"I don't think because we are in competition with each other that we can't work together," says Liana, "We can collaborate on different culinary project, I think it's a great thing."
The ceviche by Liana came in fourth, the fennel steamed selection by Vince came in third, followed by Cesar's Hawaiian version in second and the hands down favorite was the Khao Soy with coconut milk by Liana. The empty bowls predicted the outcome. Winners received gift certificates from the restaurant and bragging rights with their name appearing with their flavorful offerings on the daily special’s menu.
Organizers hope to make the recipe contest a staple because they feel client and local chef participation is key to a successful menu and good will among fellow restauranteurs. Plus, it is just great fun. Keep your eye on the Daiquiri Dick’s Facebook page for details when you can sample the Mahi Mahi contestant recipes. Look for future competions soon.
 Daiquiri Dick's contemporary design exudes a quiet elegance that invites relaxation, and its tropical location at Olas Altas 314 on Los Muertos Beach offers the perfect atmosphere for enjoying spectacular views of Banderas Bay. For reservations call (322) 222-0566. For more information, visit DDPV.com.
Click HERE to read more about Daiquiri Dick's.
 After having spent 10 years in the world of US broadcast news, Laura Gelezunas decided to unleash her skills on Puerto Vallarta by opening Video Diva Productions, a full-service, professional digital video company. Whether you're interested in a sales video, WEBmercial, music video, feature story, documentary, or corporate event video coverage, Laura has the experience, equipment and talent to coordinate a professional production. For more information, click HERE or visit her website at VideoDivaProductions.com. |
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