Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition Region I winner

Xavier Mercado from La Union emerged as the winner in the Region I competition leg of Solane Kitchen Hero Chefs’ Edition — a nationwide cooking contest which aims to recognize a new generation of local talented chefs.

Mercado’s winning dish was Igadobas ti La Union, a famous Ilocano stew made of liver and pork tenderloin, braised in soy sauce-vinegar mixture as well as other spices such as garlic, onions, and bay leaves.

He also infused his dish with local fruits such as guava and grapes. Mercado will have the chance to qualify for the national competition round with P100,000 cash prize and a culinary trip to Japan at stake.