Thailand and Russia Win Embassy Chef Challenge

More than 400 guests attended the 6th Annual Embassy Chef Challenge, benefiting Cultural Tourism D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Building May 15.

Chef Jiraporn Bunlet from the Thai Embassy won the Judges’ Choice Award for her spicy salmon salad, and chef Roman Shchadrin from the Russian Embassy won the People’s Choice Award for his salmon ice cream (not quite a dessert).

Former Chief of Protocol Capricia Penavic Marshall served as honorary gala chair and hailed “cultural diplomacy in action.” Board chair Tim Cox quoted Mayor Vincent Gray, who termed “culinary diplomacy as food for thought.” Fifteen embassies participated and were judged by Washington’s food elite, including Washington Post food reporter Tim Carman and cookbook authors Joan Nathan and Amy Riolo.