And in the black box was hidden gold!

The Kyrgyz chefs who participated in the first International Food Festival in Kazakhstan were showered with awards. They collected a sumptuous collection of medals won “gold”, “silver” and “bronze”!

Regina and her team
The Culinary duel took place in Almaty, and was organized by the Association of Chefs of Kazakhstan, headed by Alexander Tregubenko, who, by the way, recently attended at a reception in honor of the establishment of the Guild of Chefs of the Kyrgyz Republic. By the way, he also suggested that our professionals participate in the culinary competition.

To represent the country and showcase their abilities in Almaty went Chef Oleg Kuvshinov, Andrew Burenko and pastry chef Daria Kozhuhov, and the team-leader Regina Smanova. She was one of the founders of the Kyrgyzstan’s Guild of Chefs.

– It was our first culinary duel, and, of course, we are happy that we returned victorious, – says Andrey Burenko.

– The competition was held in six categories: fish, lamb, bread table, fitness dish, pasta and the “black box” – says Oleg Kushinov.

– Before that, we were preparing hard, trying to come up with something original. A few times, so to speak, we rehearsed for the competition “black box.” Its feature is that the team does not know what products are in the box until the last moment. From these ingredients we have to come up with a full menu, (appetizer, main course and dessert) in ten minutes, and then cook everything on the menu within 110 minutes. Regina several times rehearsed us for this competition, so we were prepared for the main action. And efforts were not in vain. Our team won the gold medal is in the “black box”!

– It took us about 10 minutes to unpack products. While there have been other small force majeure, but it all ended well – laughed Daria Kozhuhov. – I remember when I unpacked the products in the box, the first thing that came to hand – mozzarella cheese! I will not say I was happy. This is a product that can hardly be called universal. But how was glad I was when I found the eggs! This meant that I could prepare dessert. But in general, the composition of the black box was varied, which allowed us to dream. This berries, vegetables, meat, fish, herbs, mushrooms, cheese, spices, flour …

– The menu was prepared in the same breath, because we worked as a team. And felt the team spirit. Everyone is responsible for his work, and ultimately that is what led us to victory, – said Andrey Burenko.

Perzola with spinach roll of red mullet, berry mousse – gusto
According to Regina Smanova, the chefs decided to cover all the nominations and therefore participate in all competitions. In the end, it allowed each participant to demonstrate their talents. For example, Oleg has proven that he knows all about lamb.

– He cooked lamb fillet in a spinach shell. Served in a sauce of dried apricots and fresh grapes. He specifically chose this combination to showcase the wealth of our land. And on a side dish of zucchini rolls with soft cheese. I think that unlike the rest of the participants in that rib filed separately from meat, but as an element of decor – suggested the chef. He also prepared for the contest judges and spectators a multicolored ravioli. Coloring the dough with the juice of vegetables – carrots (orange), beets (red) and spinach (green). The filling consisted of spinach with Riccota (cottage cheese). Plus a sauce with zucchini, sun-dried cherry tomatoes and grated Parmesan. It turned out a classic Italian dish.

Andrei presented a fitness dish of scallops on a bed of pumpkin, accompanied by a green sauce with cream and shrimp in a glass – an original submission. It looked very appetizing!

– And it tasted good, too – laughed Burenko.

Daria prepared a sumptuous bread table. The abundance of baking was very different: a spinach bread, rolls with curry, a classic bread … The form was also varied, with patriotic overtones, for example a tyundyuk.

And our team has filed Perzolu with Ratatouille under an onion sauce flavored with fatty tail – a good mix of European and national cuisine. Roulette with chocolate mousse and a light berry-cream souffle and appetizers – Carpaccio mde with fillet of red mullet sprinkled with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

– The jury consisted of masters, (The director of the Association of Community chefs cooking the World Communities (WACS) in Africa and the Middle East, Thomas Googler, the President of the Russian Association of Culinary, Viktor Belyaev, who for 30 years was the chef in the Kremlin, the President of the Turkish Association of Chefs, Tekin Gyunadin … and four other famous chefs from Romania, Croatia, from Cyprus and Kazakhstan), – said Regina Smanova.

– And so it was nice to hear from true professionals the many good words about us. Many noted our cohesion, training and discipline. By the way, the jury awarded our guys bronze medals and diplomas in the category “Fish” and “Pasta”.

Smanova adds that victory inspires, giving us even more confidence in our chefs, this triumph is only the first step on the way to more achievements. If only there were more sponsors willing to support a professional to participate in international competitions, it would be great!

On the basis of all competitive nominations Oleg Kushinov won the silver and bronze medals. Andrew Burenko received a “bronze” in the category “Healthy course.” And Daria Kozhukhovo awarded a silver medal for her “Bread board”. Gold medals were awarded to the chefs in the team standings.

Another bronze medal in the category “Lamb” was awarded to the Chairman of the Association of Kyrgyz Chefs, Shukhrat Sharipov. He also participated in the competition, but outside of the team.

More photos online http://www.vb.kg/249818