Memphian takes title of world’s greatest cook
Lisa Gwatney might have cooked on the fly to win the semi-final round at the World Food Championships in November, but she was ready when she cooked in Bentonville, Arkansas, for the big prize last weekend.
One does not — let’s get real — just throw together a grilled and seared Wagyu ribeye filet, topped with truffle butter, sauteed mushrooms, seared foie gras and an Amarone reduction.
“I felt good about the recipe,” Gwatney said. “I knew that we were bringing the best possible recipe that we could possibly bring. But I knew everyone else would be, too.”
In November Gwatney, a home cook, won $10,000 when she won the steak division in Orange Beach, Alabama. She and fellow Memphian Tommy Shive, who won in the burger division, together made up 20 percent of the Final Table showdown. Shive placed sixth; Gwatney got a big fat prize of $100,000.
In the semi-finals at Orange Beach, she only had a night to come up with the recipe she prepared to win that round. While some of the finalists stuck with their winning recipes, Gwatney used the months between to come up with — and practice — a new one.
Still, she didn’t know she won until a split second before her name was called. The three winners — first, second and third place — were called to the stage. Third place was announced, then second.
“That was when I realized, ‘Oh my gosh, it must be me,’ ” she said.
Shive said it was a tough competition and he took his best, but he was glad to see Gwatney bought the title home to Memphis. Along with the other finalists, they’ve become friends since Orange Beach.
“Everyone cooking was a winner in their category, and we all brought our Agame,” Gwatney said.
“We were all in the same room so you could see everyone else, and they were doing a world class job. When we turned our dish in, the judges really seemed to like it, but again, I knew everyone’s was good.
“I’m so honored. I’m honored to represent Memphis and honored to represent all the finalists. They’re not just world-class cooks, but world-class people, too.”
Think you’ve got what it takes? The search for the next World Food Champion will start all over again Nov. 7-11 at The Wharf in Orange Beach, with the Final Table in spring 2019. To learn more about the World Food Championships and how to qualify for November event visit, worldfoodchampionships.com.