- Events and Regattas
Sushi, Sun, and Superyachts: A Day to Remember at the Oasis Lounge
The 2023 Sushi Showdown at the Oasis Lounge in Bahia Mar was anything but your typical yacht show event. Held on October 26, this unique competition brought together some of the finest superyacht chefs from around the world for a sushi battle that had everyone talking. The laid-back vibe of the Oasis Lounge set the perfect stage for a friendly, yet fierce, culinary contest.
Hosted by Chef Danny Davies, the Sushi Showdown was a highlight of the day, with chefs like Christian Russo, known for winning Triton’s 2023 Fuse Yacht Chef Competition, joining the ranks of talented participants. This wasn’t your average sushi-making experience – the chefs had only 20 minutes to transform a set list of ingredients into mouthwatering works of art.
The challenge was simple yet intense. Each chef had the same ingredients to work with: sushi rice, nori, salmon, tuna, shrimp, avocado, and a few other essentials like wasabi and pickled ginger. What made the showdown exciting was how each chef took those common ingredients and spun them into something completely unique. The creativity on display was off the charts, with everyone using their time to craft sushi that wasn’t just delicious but also visually stunning.
As the clock ticked down, the excitement in the room grew. The competition wasn’t just about technique – it was about blending flavors, textures, and presentation into a harmonious dish. And with a panel of judges like Below Deck Med’s Chef Dave White, Mega Yacht Chef Brennan Dates, and crew placement pro Beverly Grant, these chefs had to bring their A-game.
Once the time was up, the plates were lined up, and the judges took their first bites. Watching them taste each dish was almost as nerve-wracking as the competition itself. Every roll and nigiri was meticulously judged on creativity, flavor, presentation, and, of course, technique. It was clear that the chefs didn’t just come to have fun – they came to win.
In the end, it was Chef Denise Melton who took home the top prize. With her experience in previous competitions and years of working aboard yachts, she had honed her culinary skills to perfection. Her passion for food shone through, and her sushi dish stood out as the clear winner. Melton’s journey is a testament to following your passion. Though she initially pursued a career as a yacht captain, her love for cooking eventually led her to become a full-time chef.
Whether you were there for the sushi, the drinks, or just to catch up with fellow crew members, the Oasis Lounge was the place to be. The Sushi Showdown may have crowned a winner, but the real champions were the chefs and crew who came together to share their love of food, yachts, and good times.
