There was a fishcake frenzy at the Pembroke Community Centre last weekend as several hopefuls vied for the title of Bermuda's first fishcake king or queen.

Although educator and author Dale Butler was confident he would claim the title, he was cast aside by judges who ruled Rodney Smith flipped the tastiest fishcakes around -- his winning cakes eclipsing all comers courtesy of his "special blend of herbs and spices.'' The inaugural national competition was all in jest, encouraging people to come out with their fishcakes and have a good time.

In all there were 15 competitors, seven of which were presented with awards in categories for best presentation, most traditional, most likely to succeed, best colour, and best for sandwich.

The idea for the contest came from Mr. Butler, who last year was asked by a reporter to give his Christmas wish.

"I told the reporter that my wish was for everyone to enjoy one of my fishcakes before they went to heaven and this was printed,'' he said.

"Rodney Smith read it in The Bermuda Sun and he responded by saying that they were not the best and how dare I say that without a competition.

"Then he said that someone should organise a competition, and I took up the challenge and that is how the event took place,'' Mr. Butler added.

"The competition was meant to be a fun activity and it was fairly judged because out of all the categories -- I won nothing.'' Mr. Butler also said all types of people attended the function, including some from overseas.

"Competitors had to bring four fishcakes already made to be judged and a few extra to be sampled. They were put on display and the three judges evaluated them. "There was also a twist competition. The whole event was very popular, everywhere we (myself and Mr. Smith) have been, people have said what a good time they had.

"Guests were also able to buy a fishcake dinner with peas n' rice, and coleslaw.

"The competition really relieved a certain amount of stress on the Island and that is what we wanted to do.'' Mr. Butler said extra fishcakes were taken to the Pembroke Rest Home and "they were very pleased. And we took cake and cookies to the Sunshine League.'' He added that there was a bit of a problem finding judges because they either could not come, had already had one of his fishcakes, or just simply had no interest.

"Chef Fred Ming brought along an international criteria -- adding to the judging requirements -- a point system. He really raised the level of judging.

Other judges were Rolffe Commissiong, and Linda Horton,'' Mr. Butler said.

Speaking rather charitably about his defeat, Mr. Butler admitted: "Right from the time we started Mr. Smith had put together a nice blend of ingredients.

"Next year we hope to go to a different venue because parking was a problem at PCC. There was also a problem with the fact that there was no gas. It was a lovely hall but a bit small.

"We will probably hold the competition in a centrally located area next time and send out letters to different clubs, and political parties.'' Mr. Butler also said he may move the event to either March or April, just before Easter, when everyone is in a real codfish cake mood.

Other options he may consider for future competitions is to space them out and have them every other year, "because the interest will die down.'' On the fact that he considered himself the fishcake king Mr. Butler said: "For years my fishcakes were ordered by hotels and guest houses, they were served at Government House, Camden, and various private functions, the staff at school.

"People were consistently asking for them. My motto for my fishcakes is Bermuda on a bun, and because they are so big, people call them wheel barrel fish cakes.

"But next week during the Black History activities Mr. Smith and I will be serving his fishcakes at various times.'' Newly-crowned fishcake king, Mr. Smith, was delighted at taking the title from Mr. Butler -- if indeed he ever had it -- and had no qualms in crowing about his culinary coronation in the pages of The Royal Gazette .

"I feel very happy that I have won. I had no fear that I was not going to win, I felt very confident in the quality of fishcakes that I prepared.

"The judges said my fishcakes had the most traditional Bermuda taste with their unique blend of herbs and spices. I do a special blend with the fish and potatoes. I don't use one main ingredient more than the other which makes them just right.

"Mr. Butler had been throwing out slanderous remarks at me for two to three weeks about his fishcakes versus mine, so this was a good defeat, but I do have some regrets.

"I think it has put a strain on our relationship because I think he has taken this a bit too seriously because he had to give up his crown, gombey cape, and he had to chauffeur me around all day last Sunday which was part of the prize.

"When he turned up to school (on Monday) both the faculty and the students made fun of him. I've been asking people to be kind to Mr. Butler, don't rub it in too much. Normally he would call me at least once a day to find out how things are going and since Sunday I haven't heard from him.'' Mr. Smith said he felt the competition offered a breath of fresh air to Bermuda: "It brought together persons from diverse backgrounds and we all enjoyed an evening of fun.

"We had such persons as Joe Gibbons, Ted Gauntlett came, everyone just seemed to let their hair down and enjoy themselves. The food was good and many people participated in the twist competition.

"I will enter again because I must defend my crown, but I have received word that Mr. Butler now wants to be known as the macaroni and cheese king of Bermuda -- but he doesn't stand a chance because he knows I make the best macaroni and cheese.'' For those wanting to know the secret to Mr. Smith's winning fishcakes they will have to hold their breath because it's a jealously-guarded secret.

"The recipe is a secret of sorts because other people have used the same ingredients but have not been able to perfect the special type of fishcake that I have been able to produce. It's not just the ingredients alone,'' said Mr. Smith.

HOW THE OTHERS FARED How the others fared *** Best presentation: Constance Richardson Most traditional: Ada Darrell Most herbs/spices: Sue-Sheila Bassett Most likely to succeed: Joe Gibbons Best colour: Gary Lightbourne Best for sandwich: Barbara Thomas FISHCAKE CHAMP -- Winner of Bermuda's first fishcake face-off, Mr. Rodney Smith, displays his winning entries to competition organiser and self-proclaimed fishcake king, Dale Butler.