A unique recipe contest planned in Redmond

Ekal Seattle (ekalseattle.org), a non-profit organization in Seattle, is conducting a recipe contest for appetizers and desserts on July 26th, 2008 under the name - Ekal INCREDELICIOUS 2008. The event is being held at Old Redmond Schoolhouse, Redmond. Please see the event listing for more details.

Ekal Vidyalaya (or One Teacher School), is a non-profit organization based in India and has support groups such as Ekal Seattle in many parts of the USA. Ekal is providing non-formal primary education up to 4th grade to tribal children in remote tribal areas all over India. Per its website (http://ekal.org), there are currently over 25000 Ekal schools with over 700,000 students. In addition to education, Ekal works towards transforming the entire village towards better health and hygiene condtions and economic development.

Though the recipe concept may not be unique as many Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) regularly conduct bake sales to generate funds for their respective schools, this is perhaps the first time an Indian non-profit organization is conducting such an event.

Ekal Seattle spokesman said that about 30-40 contestants are expected and attendees to the event will get a chance to taste a few samples and vote for their favorite one. Besides popular choice award (given based on attendee voting), Ekal Seattle has assembled three well-known food bloggers within Seattle as judges. These judges include the following:

• Keren Brown, Seattle PI blogger and food reviewer/enthusiast: http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/franticfoodie/ and Frantic Foodie at Blogspot http://www.franticfoodie.blogspot.com/ . Catch more of her recipes on daily munch, http://www.dailymunch.com/
• Jay Friedman, freelance food writer and gastronaut— a regular contributor to Seattlest.com & Seattle Sound’s restaurant reviewer. Watch for Jay here: Seattle Sound restaurant reviewer, Seattlest food writer (www.seattlest.com), Examiner Seattle Asian Eats Examiner (www.examiner.com/seattle)
• Sunita Shastri, creator and manufacturer/distributor of Taazaä brand of natural, authentic Indian foods, via her company “Meghana foods”. Author of a cookbook “Indian Vegetarian Delights”. Visit www.meghanafoods.com.

The entries will be judged based on taste, visual appeal, creativity, and nutrition. No red meat based entries are allowed in the contest. Both categories (appetizers and desserts) will have three winners. The first prize winner is expected to get a Zune music player.

Ekal Seattle hopes to get 300 to 400 attendees to the event, per organizers. Attendees will be required to pay $5 entry fee that will be used to cover event expenses and prizes. In return, attendees will get a raffle entry ticket, an opportunity taste a few recipe samples and learn the recipes directly from contestants. Children under age 10 will be allowed at no charge.

Ekal is also releasing a recipe booklet, shortly after the event, based on the contested recipes. This booklet - dubbed as Ekal INCREDELICIOUS 2008 Recipe Treasures - will be supported by several prominent businesses among Seattle Indian community. Spcie Route restaurant is sponsoring the booklet at Platinum level. Gold sponsors include Mehfil Restaurant, Apna Bazaar grocery stores, and Lisa Pennington (Real Estate agent, Windermere). In addition, Olin Shaw (Real Estate agent, Windermere) is sponsoring the recipe booklet at Silver level.

More information on the contest and Ekal are available at http://ekalseattle.org.

-- A Seattle Desi Network Report