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Napa, CA (November 7, 2021) — As Korean culture continues to gain popularity around the world, TaoNetworks and SF Ad hosted its 3rd annual Korean Kimchi Festival in San Francisco and the 2nd JONGGA Kimchi Cookoff, Sunday, November 7, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, CA. Eight finalists, culled from more than 300 entries, competed for the grand prize of $5.000.00, with runners up receiving prizes of $3,000.00 and $2000.00.
The contest was designed to showcase the versatility of kimchi and the winners did not disappoint. First place was awarded to Carlota Bradley, of Fort Collins, CO, whose dish JonggKim Rice Stack, a beautifully crafted with kimchi and fried rice, topped with a gold leaf.
The second place winner, Brooke Jeein Newmaster, of White Bear Lake, MN, impressed judges with her flaming plate, Kimchi Bojagi Hallacas. And taking third place was Min Seong Kim, a student studying at the CIA’s New York campus. His unique twist on shepherd's pie was a blend of comforting and creative.
The contest was judged by Certified Master Chef Brad Barnes, director of CIA Consulting and Industry Programs, and cookbook author Marja Vongerichten, who hosted PBS’ Kimchi Chronicles.
“While kimchi is a versatile and useful ingredient in many cuisines, American chefs and home cooks tend to think of it only as a condiment,” said Barnes. “Through this innovation challenge, our goal is to help people understand the many ways kimchi can enhance a dish.”
Vongerichten noted, "Kimchi is a food based on science and health. It is a superfood for the immune system that takes care of the human body. It seems that the world values and understands not only kimchi but also Korean culture. I wish the world knew the amazing benefit of Kimchi earlier but it’s better late than never." she said.
The event was presented in collaboration with CIA Consulting, a business unit of The Culinary Institute of America and Daesang JONGGA, a global food products brand, is a competition that welcomes cooks of all cultural and culinary backgrounds to share their passions through original recipes that showcase JONGGA kimchi products.
Daesang (its JONGGA kimchi, Chung Jung One, and O'Food brands) has been the proud sponsor of the Annual Kimchi Cookoff event for the past three years in such global culinary tradition locations in United States, France, and United Kingdom.
For an immediate response please contact,
Mr. Hee Jin Park
O (650) 539-4396
admin@kimchicookoff.org