Friday, March 12, 2021

2 Pasadenans, Altadenan Top Ranking of Competitors in World Food Championships

Lidia Haddadian of Pasadena was named the “top competitor” in the World Food Championships on March 11, 2021. (Credit: World Food Championships)

Two chefs from Pasadena and another from Altadena clinched the top three spots in the World Food Championships, to be held in Dallas in November, the competition announced Thursday.

Reigning World Recipe Champion Lidia Haddadian of Pasadena, a home cook competing in the “Recipes” category, topped the listing of 100 competitors to watch as nearly 500 chefs do culinary battle for a chance to win more than $300,000 in prizes, WFC said in a written statement.

She was immediately followed in the ranking by Jodie Tafell of Altadena, competing as a home cook in the “Bacon” category. Tafell is also defending her title as World Bacon Champion.

Professional chef Ven Diaz of Pasadena rounds out the top three competitors, competing in the “Chef” category, according to WFC.

Nearly 500 teams are expected to converge in Dallas in November for the competition, known as the “Ultimate Food Fight,” the statement said.

In a video statement provided by contest organizers, Haddadian said the contest challenges her to innovate.

“I love competition. I think I’ve always had that in me,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s so much about winning, but it’s really about making the best and being as creative as I possibly can possibly be.”

Haddadian and Tafell both earned their previous titles in 2019. The contest was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After having to cancel our 2020 food fight, we felt it was important to share as much information about, and for, our competitors as possible,” according to WFC President and CEO Mike McCloud. “It’s always surprising to see who excels, who doesn’t, and who comes out of the blue to snag a category championship. So we hope these new rankings will help add some sizzle to an already exciting and sometimes heated competition.”

The ten competitive categories include Bacon, Barbecue, Burger, Chef, Dessert, Recipe, Sandwich, Seafood, Soup and Steak.

The full list of the top 100 competitors can be found online at worldfoodchampionships.com/rankings.

More information on the World Food Championships is available on the organization’s website at worldfoodchampionships.com.