Mathayom Vacharat of St. John Catering took home the gold in the first Banco Popular Ultimate Chef Challenge. He was assisted by sous chef Tim Dotson.
Mat’s winning entry was Five-Way Papaya Chicken. A seared chicken breast with fennel flower and local honey was served with sides including green papaya slaw and plantain-stuffed papaya cannoli.
Other entrees in the cook-off included Coconut-Braised Chicken from Heidi Erwig of Water island, Cassava-Crusted Red Snapper by Brian Wisbauer of St. Croix, and Snapper with Pumpkin and Squash Hash by Jennifer Litwin of St. Thomas’ Oceana restaurant.
Mat's complete recipe, as well as those cooked by other chefs, is available. A colorful 16-page document can be downloaded by clicking here.
Photos of the Ultimate Challenge are here.
Web site for St. John Catering is http://www.stjohncatering.com