College Chefs Show Off Skills at Pace University

From Pace University:

Chefs from four college campuses faced off at Pace University in Pleasantville on October 26 as Food Network Chef Jet Tila took them through a Cutthroat Kitchen style challenge that tested their culinary flair and speed.

Chefs from Pace University’s NYC and Pleasantville campuses, as well as chefs from Manhattanville College and SUNY Purchase prepared two appetizers, a main entrée and a dessert for a panel of judges consisting of two Pace University staff members, Westchester Magazine’s John Turiano, Chartwells Regional Vice President and the Executive Director of SUNY Purchase’s College Association. Chefs were judged on creativity, flavor and presentation.

Chef Tila, a guest chef on Food Networks’ Cutthroat Kitchen, threw some curve balls to contestants, randomly reducing their prep time and throwing in some challenging ingredients including a whole suckling pig and lamb. When it was over, Manhattanville College Chef Janelle Oliver took the trophy for best overall performance and her entrée seared salmon and smashed red potatoes. “I didn’t think I was going to win, but I guess I pulled it all together,’’ she said.

Chef Tila said that it was all in good fun, but also showed the skills of the chefs who are all employed by Chartwells, the food service company that serves all four school campuses.

“These are all very high-caliber, highly trained chefs that are bringing their skills to the university environment,’’ he said.

The day’s competition, which drew dozens of hungry student onlookers, was organized by the school’s Director of Dining Services Kevin Henriquez. Pace students also assisted the chefs. Other contestants were Chef Thomas Ludewig, Pace Pleasantville campus, Chef Joseph Vaina, Pace NYC campus and Chef Eric Frost, SUNY Purchase.

Photo Courtesy of Pace University