MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The Chef of the Quarter Board cooking competition was held at the Southside Messhall July 18 to find Iwakuni's top chef.
The winner of the competition was Lance Cpl. Kasey Kristian Marie Doremus, Subsistence supply clerk at the Northside Messhall, who beat Lance Cpls. K.M. Fleitas, storeroom clerk, and Tristan Simpson, food service.
"Before the competition began each competitor was given the previous day to prep their food. The time was also used to ensure that no pre-made substances were used and that they were not cheating," said Staff Sgt. Frank L. Williams III, assistant Messhall manager.
After a whole day of prepping, the Marine chefs were finally able to meet the judges, serve them and have their food evaluated.
"After hearing who won I was not really surprised because of the hard work I put into the competition," said Kristian.
Along with the pride of becoming the Chef of the Quarter, the winner also earned two days off of work and a letter of appreciation for her efforts.
According to Kristian, the best part of the competition was to serve the final product to the judges and all who were present.
"A total of seven judges were present at the competition - four judges from the Food Service Board along with three invitees," said Williams.
The judging for the competition was not just based on taste. Judges had subcategories that helped decide the winner preparation time, presentation and overall taste.
"Some advice for the next quarter's competitors is to focus most of their time prepping the day before, that way on the day of the competition you are more than prepared in case anything happens to go wrong," said Kristian. "Then on the day of the competition come in extra early to make sure that everything runs smoothly."