The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

THE MARATHON Mall will be transformed into a food battle similar to that of the Food Network's Iron Chef when seven students square off to create the best dish.

The event is spearheaded by Bahamian celebrity Chef Jamall Petty, host of the Island Flare interview/cooking show. The competition will feature grade twelve students, who are aspiring to be professionals chefs.

The Food Fight will take place over the course of two days, Friday and Saturday. The preliminary round this Friday will take place at Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel starting from 8am -3pm. The final round on Saturday starts at 1pm.

During the preliminary round, students will have a limited time to prepare a four portion dish that must include plantain.

The dishes will be judged based on taste, originality, and presentation with a total of ten points being awarded for each category.

"They have to prepare a dish of four portions that must include plantains. During the preliminary and finals student can have their ingredients prepared beforehand. But this round is all about creativity and the students must display that," said Chef Petty who is also executive banquet sous chef at Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel.

While in the early round plantain must be an ingredient, Chef Petty told Tribune Entertainment the students can let their imaginations run wild in the ring at the Marathon Mall on Saturday.

"If the contestants wish they can make the same plantain inspired dish. The judges will critique their dishes in the first round and let them know what was missing. So if they want to create the same plantain dish they will know where they went wrong and make it better for the second time. But it is all in their hands and up to them when they get in the ring on Saturday."

"The preliminary round is just to separate the sheep from the goats. The preliminary round will also serve as the elimination round as well. Only four students will advance from this round," he said.

This year, all student entrants have been coached by professional industry chefs. The aspiring chef that advances as winner of the Food Fight will receive a $7500 dollar scholarship to attend Lincoln College of Technology.

"This is just my way of giving back. I really wanted to create an avenue where individuals in the private or public sector can contribute to the success of someone else," he said.

The Food Fight will also be filmed as a television show. Chef Petty said with the competition being aired on television individuals who are not present, can be part of and inspired by the event.

"Those persons at home can be part of the show. They may also want to compete in the next event. In 2013, we intend to build on what we have started and host two competitions, one for culinary students and one designed for academic students," Chef Petty said.

Sponsors of the event include Master Technicians, the Mall at Marathon, Sandals Resort, Esounds Marketing and others.