#116 crown

The 4th Annual Iron Chef Elm City which was held yesterday, crowned Chef Prasad from Thali as the the winner. It was a very very close race, three chefs....nine dishes, came down to a 2 point spread. A packed audience enjoyed watching the heated battle with the chefs using the secret ingredient which was Hooker Beer. Using beer, they prepared an appetizer, entree and dessert, all within one hour! Delia, the Viking Center of New England in Wallingford was the perfect "kitchen stadium" for the event.

Chef Jeff of Scoozzi and Chef Mike of 116 Crown created some delectable dishes and were strong competitors, according to the judges, Lisa Waddle, Managing Editor of Fine Cooking, Wiley Mullins of Uncle Wiley's and Jocelyn Ruggiero aka Foodie Fatale. Ann Nyberg of WTNH-8 and network CT captured great moments throughout the event. Floor commentators, Todd Lyon, restaurant and food writer and Mike Devlin, General Manager of Wave Hill Breads and pastry instructor at Gateway Community kept the audience informed as to what the chefs were creating. Gateway Community College hospitality students received great experience while assisting the chefs.  

Food was plentiful at the reception sponsored by Hooker Beer, Gelato Giuliana, Bertollotti Desserts, Calabro Cheese, Willoughby's Coffee and Tea, Atticus Bookkstore Cafe, Chabaso Bakery and Deep River Snacks. Samplings from the three restaurants competing were also enjoyed.

Nine lucky attendees got to taste one of the chefs competition creations. Look for some of the recipes in my food column in the New Haven Register.

Proceeds from the event benefit a scholarship for a Gateway Community College hospitality management /culinary student

Check out this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB9XoFsI4Vo&feature=player_detailpage

 Stephen & emcee Ann Nyberg

The audience watch Team Thali

    Gateway student Dan Brelsford handles the stress of the competion.

Scoozzi appetizer

Thali appetizer

Here is the link to my column in today's New Haven Register. All of the details for the exciting Iron Chef  Elm City is there, including competitiors, bios, and video from last year's event.

Tickets are limited, so call now. I look forward to seeing you there on April 17.