Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 3: Well-known electronics and home appliances showroom Harsha held the final round of IFB Masterchef contest and the prize distribution ceremony at their Hampankatta branch on Saturday, December 2.

The first prize was bagged by Rashmi Akhilesh for her cuisine Lebanese Lemon Chicken. Shakila D’Souza and Rafa won the second and third prizes respectively. Gloria Fernandes was awarded Emerging Chef Award. The winners were presented appliances by Harsha, the first prize being an IFB microwave oven, the second prize IFB multifunctional rice cooker, and the third prize, a Maharaja Whiteline mixer.

Winner Rashmi Akhilesh said that she was motivated by her daughter to participate after she saw an advertisement in the newspaper. “My daughter is my inspiration. And I love Harsha very much. All my electronic and home appliances purchases are made from Harsha and I love their unmatched customer service,” she said.

Earlier during the prize distribution ceremony, Suresh M, director, Harsha, spoke about the importance of microwave cooking. “Microwave oven is a very useful tool, but people do not often use it or recommend anyone to use it. This should change. Cooking can be done in various ways with just press of buttons and it is a clean way of cooking. It also reduces risk of diabetes. Many people feel that microwave cooking is bad for health, but it is not so. People should encourage everyone to use such appliances.”

The competition started on November 29 and various rounds were held at Hampankatta and Surathkal branches, in which over 45 participants contested. The four finalists were Rafa, Rashmi Akhilesh, Gloria Fernandes and Shakila D’Souza. The competition was overseen by IFB masterchef Akhila. Enthusiastic participants prepared a range of delicious recipes which were judged by masterchef of IFB and executive chef of Hotel Deepa Comforts. The various rounds included a mug recipe, a cuisine of the contestant’s choice and a cuisine of the judge’s choice.