MacDill’s top chefs

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt editor
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Reality TV shows featuring top chefs facing off in timed kitchen duels are all the rage, but consume contests and dueling Dutch ovens are not limited to television studios, as MacDill's top chefs proved last week. 

In the second or what is planned to be a quarterly competition, the NCOs and junior enlisted from the Diner's Reef squared off in a showdown of culinary skill and imagination. When the tasting was done, the NCOs unseated the reigning enlisted champs. 

"Experience," said Staff Sgt. Danesha Clavo when asked how her team pulled off the win. "We had the combined experience between us to make it happen." 

Spicy Citrus Shrimp and Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas helped the team impress the judges of the 6th Services Squadron, netting Sergeant Clavo and team mates Staff Sergeants Kenneth Mitchell and Lee Pears. 

The enlisted team featured Airman 1st Class Demarcus Hunt, Senior Airman Raymond Wood and Airman 1st Class Solomon Saunders represented well, with Mandarin Shrimp Stir Fry and Grilled Asian Ginger Chicken 

The competition generally is limited to variations of Air Force approved dishes currently served, though there is some freedom to branch out and "experiment," said Airman Wood. 

That experimentation in the past led to a MacDill creation by the junior enlisted team's Airman Wood -- Alfredo Catfish -- making it to the official Air Force menu.