In Ocean Shores, Washington, Chef Andy delivered a standout performance at the Top Taste of Washington World Food Championships Qualifier, earning 1st Place in the Noodle category and a coveted Golden Ticket to the 2026 World Food Championships.
At the center of the win was his award‑winning dish, Lummi Island Wild Reef Net Caught Smoked Salmon Carbonara. A luxurious yet thoughtful take on a classic, the dish featured pappardelle tossed with egg, Pecorino Romano, caramelized onions, guanciale, chives, and fresh black truffles. Every element was intentional, showcasing depth of flavor, balance, and a deep respect for REAL Food.
One judge summed it up best:
“It was so luxurious we didn’t want to put it down.”
That first‑place finish secured Andy his Golden Ticket to compete this October in Indianapolis at the 2026 World Food Championships. With this win, Andy has now qualified in four of ten categories, including Live Fire, Noodle, Sandwich, and Bacon. Qualifying across multiple categories gives him the flexibility to choose his final competition category, with his sights ultimately set on the prestigious Chef Category. His goal is clear: continue qualifying, continue refining, and continue pushing what is possible through intentional, ingredient‑driven cooking.
Multiple Podium Finishes in Ocean Shores
Andy’s success did not stop with noodles. At the Ocean Shores qualifier, he placed across several highly competitive categories:
1st Place – Noodle Lummi Island Wild Smoked Salmon Carbonara
2nd Place – Vegetarian Yam and Black Bean Empanada with Roasted Corn Salsa, Jalapeño Crema, and Cilantro Slaw
3rd Place – Burger Candied Bacon Burger with Monkey Mac Sauce from Five Monkeys BBQ Sauce
Each dish reflected a thoughtful approach to flavor, technique, and sourcing, proving that creativity and integrity can coexist on the competition stage.
Rooted in Community and REAL Food
This Golden Ticket win was also a celebration of community. Andy’s dishes were brought to life with the support of exceptional local vendors who share a commitment to quality and craft:
Wildly Beloved Foods | Pappardelle
Lummi Island Wild | Smoked Salmon
Old World Deli | Guanciale
Charlie’s Produce | Produce and Truffles
Avenue Bakery | Focaccia
As Andy looks ahead to the World Food Championships this fall, one thing is certain. This journey is about more than medals or titles. It is about cooking with purpose, honoring REAL Food, and continuing to raise the bar with every dish served.
We cannot wait to see what comes next!
