Some of the winners of the competition showcasing their meals . Photos | Isaac Ssejj ombwe
Gertrude Ojangole, Chosen Akellot, Kayongo Hamis, Lillian Namuddu and Sharon Nanyonjo will be receiving 2kg of fish per week from Yalelo for six months after emerging the best out of 10 who were competing for the Yalelo Prepare, Share and Dine competition that climaxed last Saturday at Skyz Hotel Naguru.
The five contestants impressed renowned Chef Mark Kaheru and his elite team of judges, securing the ultimate prize after four rounds of cooking different flavors of fish. They put out their experience in the kitchen using the ingredients given to them by the organisers to prepare mouthwatering fish based meals.
“I am so humbled and excited to have been among the lucky winners of this competition. My family is going to be so happy and proud to have this prize,” beamed Kayongo, one of the winners at the cook-off competition.
For Nanyonjo, who came up with deep fried marinated fish and fish stew, this experience taught her to be quick and accurate whenever food is prepared but regardless of that, she was so proud of herself because she learnt how to balance ingredients.
Kaheru tasting what the competitors came up with
Akellot on the other hand attributed her win to creativity. “I came up with a new dish and this is the fish sandwich. No one else did it and the judges enjoyed it so much,” she said.
Asked what they considered to determine the winners, judge Kaheru said the whole experience started a few months back when participants were asked to cook, take photos or videos and share on social media and have their friends or fans vote and like their offerings and the top 10 entered the competition.
“We have chosen the top five today basing on four parameters of creativity, presentation, preparation and taste,” he said, further adding that each round was out of 25 marks so the total score was out of 100 because they cooked twice. The first round they fried and the second time they were told to cook anything of their choice.
One of the participants preparing her dish
Speaking about the competition, Yalelo Marketing Manager Catherine Twesigye was more than impressed with the participants who without a doubt left many desiring their tasty fish-cooked meals.
“I am over the moon about bringing to life this nutritiously stimulating adventure. We are so proud to have been a part of this and are delighted to know that today’s champions proved that fish is an easy meal to prepare.
issejjombwe@ug.nationmedia.com