The competitions are usually(!) enjoyable. Especially if the entrants aren't too hung up on themselves. I took 2nd place at the National Oyster Cook Off in St. Mary's, Maryland a few years back. It was fun! All the cooks/chefs sat around talkin' food and swapping "war" stories. The competition was more for the judges than for us.
Just recently I won 1st place in the Australian Range Lamb Competition... as advertised RIGHT HERE at ChefTalk!! I was completely surprised. I generally enter the more unusual categories, with the thought that it will have the least entries. So, I ended up winning the RUMP category. It really isn't the winning, but the fun of really thinking out a recipe based on the parameters that are set, organizing the recipe, superbly executing it and waiting with baited breath for the results. |