BOMBAY Masala from Georgetown copped the $250,000 first prize and a trophy among the 18 participating groups in the much anticipated Digicel Curried Duck Competition staged last Sunday at Number 63 Beach, Corentyne, Berbice. Head of the winning group, Brahma Prasad, was elated at the win and disclosed that, from the start, he was very confident since he had, with him, his cook of 45 years, Seeta Ramlall, who prepared the meal after putting the ingredients together at the beginning.
First-time participant Hema-Devi Ansuman was awarded the second prize of $150,000 plus a trophy.
She was pleased with her achievement and credited it to her team and all the locally produced ingredients.
The third-placed winner was ‘Same Crew’, who got $100,000.
Meanwhile, two groups, who placed fourth and fifth, were given $75,000 each. They were led by Geeta Prettipaul and Vinesh Ranganadan.
The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) was awarded a special prize for Best Presentation.
Co-sponsor and one of the judges, Orlando Boxhill, of Sol Gas, said it was very difficult to make a decision, based on the variety of very tasty curries he sampled but the experience was good.
FIRST TIME
He admitted it was the first time he ate curried duck and was in awe at the flavour and taste.
Speaking on behalf of Digicel Guyana, Sales & Distribution Manager, Nalini Vieira said it was a very competitive rivalry but some of the curries prepared by several groups stood out.
One of the judges, President of the Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce, Jaichand Hemchand said the contest was judged on the basis of smell (aroma), taste and texture.
The Digicel Curried Duck Competition programme featured Trinidad & Tobago artiste KI, who sang popular Chutney songs much to the delight of the large crowd that had gathered at the beach for the event.
Hundreds of people had journeyed from as far as East Bank Essequibo to be a part of the event on Sunday.
Berbicians, however, stood out by their means of transportation, some arrived on their tractors and trailers while others went on horseback.
