Anya wins cook-off challenge

Enthusiastic cook Anya De Silva emerged the winner in the recently concluded Cinnamon-HSBC Marco Pierre White cook-off Challenge.

Anya was chose the winner by celebrity chef and Judge of MasterChef Australia, Marco Pierre White, who was in Sri Lanka recently.

Six amateur cooks qualified for the finals, which led to an exciting afternoon of cooking for Marco Pierre White as he judged and selected the winning dish.

The grand finale was set-up in a typical 'MasterChef' like setting; where the finalists prepared their dishes as a live audience cheered them on. Participants created their own version of a Marco Pierre White mystery recipe that was handed to them at the beginning of the session, which was prepared within a stipulated time period. Marco Pierre White's executive chef Andrew Bennet, worked closely with all the finalists during the competition, providing them with due support and the opportunity to gain valuable insights to international culinary practices.

Marco himself observed the entire process, and judged and selected the winning dish based not only taste, but also on presentation and technicality. The winner was awarded a grand trophy, medal and a certificate signed by the legendary chef himself. In addition to the award, the winner was also presented a hamper courtesy of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, an overnight stay at Cinnamon Bey Beruwala and an Oven courtesy of Beko by Singer.

The cook-off challenge together with the entire calendar of events conceptualised and executed by Cinnamon during Marco Pierre White's tour in Sri Lanka, showcased the best of Sri Lanka and the talent that exists in the country. The Cinnamon-HSBC Marco Pierre White challenge was presented by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts powered by Knorr, in collaboration with the British High Commission, the national carrier SriLankan airlines, Land Rover Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Tourism, Quintessentially Lifestyle and Trekurious.