A Stirring Success

Thursday January 19th, 2006. Do you remember what you did that day? Seniors Samir Pendse and Alex Rosenthal were involved in a test. A test of taste. That`s right folks, both of these Hawken students, Samir a well respected senate member, and Alex a member of the disciplinary review board, were taking part in the Mongolian Barbeque Best Bowl Challenge. Forty competitors from Northeast Ohio entered the challenge of preparing a stir-fry bowl, having it cooked by their expert staff, then judged in seven categories by a panel of judges flown in from around the country (okay, so they drove up from Columbus, but nonetheless, they traveled). Included in this group was the owner of Mongolian BBQ, Tim Hobart. The night started at 7 pm when Samir and Alex arrived at the restaurant with their respective entourages. Alex went straight to work, testing out one recipe, \"Ragin` Rib Eye,\" which consisted of rib eye steak, water chestnuts, onions, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and noodles. It was topped off with buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, burgundy wine, Szechwan sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic. This bowl was sent to the judging table. Samir took a much different approach, as he gagged at his first combination. He continued to make approximately five different plates, each time improving the taste and appearance. He finally decided that his bowl would be titled \"Caribbean Splash,\" a dish made up of rib eye, macaroni, pineapple, tomato, green peppers, with sauces consisting of lemon, soy, and mandarin orange, along with a spice mix of Jamaican Jerk and Lemon Pepper. It was a delightful combination, and when it was placed in front of the judges, they seemed pleasantly surprised. Over the next hour, there was much discussion on who, if either, would place or perhaps win. Both Pendse and Rosenthal were excited with the prospect of winning and going to Detroit for the National Finals. Finally, 9:30 rolled around, and it was time to announce the winners. \"In third place, straight out of Hawken School in Gates Mills, Samir Pendse.\" Samir accepted his third place award -- a $20 gift certificate to Mongolian Barbeque. Though Alex did not place in the top three, both he and Samir were delighted with the event and are looking forward to taking home the title next year. by Brian Horsburgh +óGé¼-£06