Congratulations to our very own Chef Liz Oba for her outstanding performance alongside Chef Josh Ericksen at the prestigious World Food Championships! Together, they secured an impressive 2nd place finish, showcasing their culinary creativity, precision, and passion for unforgettable flavors.
The World Food Championships isn’t just about cooking—it’s a high-stakes competition where chefs are challenged to craft unique, mouthwatering dishes under tight deadlines and specific themes. This year’s challenges included “Dinner in a Bowl” for the first round and incorporating a surprise salsa ingredient in the finals. Chef Liz and Chef Josh exceeded expectations with these standout creations.
Round One – Fusion Chili & Tostones
Chef Josh’s signature fusion chili was a show-stopper! Blending Texas and Puerto Rican flavors, the dish featured ground pork, green olives, potatoes, and over ten types of chili powder. The rich, hearty chili was finished with cilantro, a squeeze of lime, crumbled bacon, and crispy tostones—fried green plantains that added the perfect crunch. This innovative dish transformed a classic entrée into a bold, satisfying bowl that wowed the judges.
Finals – Smoky Picadillo Soup
For the finals, Chef Liz and Chef Josh delivered an unforgettable Picadillo-inspired soup. The dish combined ground beef and pork, potatoes, green olives, and a velvety vegetable base pureed with the secret salsa ingredient. They topped it off with a creamy drizzle made from Mexican table cream, avocado, and the salsa’s flavor-packed liquid.
But the real magic? Chef Liz’s smoking gun! In a dramatic race against time, they dashed to the BBQ area to smoke the bowls and raced back just in time for judging. The smoked lids kept the soup warm and delivered an aromatic waft of flavor as they were lifted, a detail that earned high praise from the judges.
Passion Meets Innovation
Reflecting on the competition, Chef Liz shared, “Food brings people together in the best of ways; cooking will never cease to bring me joy!”
We couldn’t agree more. At Thomas Cuisine, we celebrate the creativity, dedication, and skill that our chefs bring to every plate. Chef Liz’s performance is a testament to her passion for innovation and her ability to turn REAL food into memorable culinary experiences.
