Elizabeth City, N.C. — Olajuwon Mason knows his way around the kitchen. In a chef showdown for North Carolina's premier statewide culinary competition, he took home first runner-up for "Chef of the Year."
Mason, chef manager of the café at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), has claimed the title of first runner-up for "Chef of the Year" at the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) Chef Showdown Competition.
Now in its eighth season, the competition is North Carolina's premier culinary and mixology event, presented by Got to Be NC, an initiative on behalf of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDACS) to promote North Carolina agricultural products and goods. The showdown brings the state's finest chefs, pastry chefs, mixologists, and distilleries together to display their talents using the best of North Carolina's local ingredients. Competitors vie for top honors in several categories, including NCRLA Chef of the Year, Pastry Chef of the Year, Mixologist and Distillery of the Year, and the newly introduced Best Mocktail of the Year.
Mason's winning dish, Southern harmony, was a celebration of Southern cuisine and heritage and it blended tradition with modern techniques. The dish featured Cheerwine braised pork cheeks, sweet corn emulsion, collard green chow chow and hot water cornbread. According to Mason, the cornbread was a tribute to the resourcefulness and culinary creativity that defined many meals in Black households.
"This dish is more than just a meal to me; it's a deeply personal culinary creation inspired by the rich, diverse, and comforting traditions of Southern cuisine, specifically reflecting the unique heritage of northeastern North Carolina, my family, and the enduring spirit of a small town," said Mason.
The competition's grand finale was held Aug. 26 at Bay 7 at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. It displayed a variety of dishes and drinks, each paired with an award-winning North Carolina wine. The event not only celebrated the state's culinary skills, but also its deep agricultural roots.
Mason's recognition as first runner-up is a testament to his creativity and dedication to showcasing the flavors and traditions of North Carolina.
"Each bite offers a taste of tradition, innovation, and the harmonious blend of flavors that made my childhood so beloved," Mason shared. "This dish is a tribute to the strength and creativity of my family, turning everyday ingredients into extraordinary experiences."
His dish stole the judges' tastebuds, earning him a place among the state's best chefs. Mason’s culinary success brings to light his journey from a small town to the big kitchen of the NCRLA Chef Showdown.
For more information about the NCRLA Chef Showdown or to learn more about Viking Dining, visit their websites.