Submitted by Literacy Haida Gwaii--"Impressive and creative cooking techniques, superb choice of ingredients". . . These were only a few of the several compliments given by judges Lynne Hunter and Su-San Brown to both Teen Island Chef challengers. The first round of the contest saw Mervin Leach of Tlell and Peter Brimacombe of Masset slicing, dicing and cooking up a storm during the two-hour contest Saturday evening at Tlell's Rising Tide Bakery. Both contestants had to come up with a main course dish using chicken. Mervin made a "Spicy BBQ Chicken Sandwich with Caesar Salad" and Peter created a "Carribean-Canadian Glazed Chicken with Lime Sweet Potatoes and Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots". "Mervin's salad dressing was made from scratch . . . and the dressing was very creamy!", judge Su-San said. Lynne Hunter, the other judge, added, "both contestants have very interesting cooking techniques. One is full of flair and the other displays excellence in slicing, skewing and marinating." Both Peter and Mervin clearly showed a passion for cooking. They were very relaxed in the kitchen despite the watchful eyes of the judges. They answered the judges' questions on sanitation, choice of ingredients and food preparation with confidence while busy cooking. Peter and Mervin tied for top marks in the categories of creativity of dish and flavour and taste. The judges agreed both teens had displayed great talent and skill. It was a tight contest. Peter was eventually declared Teen Island Chef by a narrow margin. Stephanie Righi is next in line to face off with Peter, our new champion, in our next cooking challenge. All teens who are interested in cooking are encouraged to participate in the contest! Contact Beng Favreau of Literacy Haida Gwaii at 559-8398 or 1-866-559-9065, or email bfavreau@thehub.literacy.bc.ca to sign up. Literacy Haida Gwaii would like to express a heartfelt thanks to Ralph and Kris of The Rising Tide Bakery for the generous use of their kitchen; to our judges Lynne Hunter and Su-San Brown, who volunteered their time; to Mervin Leach and Peter Brimacombe for their outstanding cooking performance. They are truly an inspiration. A special thank you is also extended to Ralph for his thoughtful assistance in ensuring both contestants were well equipped with kitchen utensils.