THE FOUR finalists for the “I Love Manx” amateur cook competition have been selected, a week before the event at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show.
The four cooks short-listed for the Manx Gas-sponsored contest, are Pam Crowe, Andy Guy, Chris Callow and Sultana Hoque. Manx queenies, beef, pork and pasta are included in their dishes.
“I’m delighted that the ‘I Love Manx’ chef competitions have caught the imagination of the Island’s cooks and supporters of locally produced food,” said DEFA Minister John Shimmin.
“The recipes sound wonderful so I would urge everyone to go along and support the competitors and take home some great ideas for cooking at home this summer.
“Manx produced food has so many advantages and I hope that many more people will make a conscious decision to buy it in future having experienced the exciting events taking place at this year’s agricultural shows”.
Howard Quayle, President of the Manx National Farmers’ Union, added, “We are delighted by the number and quality of entries to this second ‘I Love Manx’ amateur cook competition. All of us involved in ‘I Love Manx’ are excited by the diversity of the recipes entered and the innovative use of quality, fresh Manx seasonal produce.
“We short-listed on the basis of the Manx ingredients to be used, the creativity of the cook, and the practicalities of the recipes. We would encourage everyone to come up to the Royal Manx Agricultural Show on Friday and Saturday and have a good look around all the attractions and cheer the cooks on!”
‘I Love Manx’ cooks will be cooking between 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. in the Manx Food Theatre marquee on Friday and Saturday. All competitors will be bringing their own ingredients. ‘I Love Manx’ are working with Relish Cookery School to provide cooking equipment and all competitors will also be provided with an ‘I Love Manx’ apron.
The four finalists will cook at the Royal Manx Agricultural Show with a final “cook off” at the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival at the Villa Marina gardens on 25th September with final judging by celebrity TV chef Gino D’Acampo.
Friday - Southern finalists are:
Pam Crowe cooking beef bagoon
Andy Guy cooking Manx bucatini special
Saturday - Northern finalists are:
Chris Callow cooking Hungarian pork rosti
Sultana Hoque cooking Manx queenies with squash
