SEFM Fresh Chef Competition was HOT

Literally and figuratively. This past Saturday three intrepid South Estes Farmers’ Market customers gathered to put their culinary skills to the test in an Iron Chef-style battle for the ultimate prize, a professional Wusthof knife set donated by Kitchenworks. I put together the event in my capacity as a member of the Friends of the Market Committee and the Community Representative on the Board of Directors, with LOTS of help from SEFM Market Manager Andrea Wood. I’ve done lots of events in my life, but this was my first time doing a cooking competition and needless to say I was a little stressed! Luckily everything worked out wonderfully, and I’m happy to say that SEFM customer Jennie Heck wowed the judges and walked away with the grand prize! Click through for the photos and a link to the winning recipe.

The secret ingredient was flank steak (donated by SEFM vendor Smith Angus Farm) and with their $20 limit in mind the contestants scoured the market for ingredients to make the winning dish. The judges loved contestant David Parisi’s steak and eggs with blackberry compote, but Jennie Heck’s marinated flank steak with sauteed veggies and peach salsa took home the grand prize.

The contestants are hard at work!

Winner Jennie Heck with her dish

The judges with winner Jennie Heck and her Wusthof knife set

I would like to thank the judges (from L-R) Chef Vimala Rajendran, Executive Chef of Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe in Chapel Hill; Chef Chris Holloway, Executive Chef of A Southern Season in Chapel Hill; Andrea Weigl, Food Write for the News & Observer; Paige Scoltock, SEFM customer extraordinaire; and Chef Leonardo Calle, Executive Chef and Co-Owner of Chef Squad, a personal chef service here in the Triangle.

I would also like to thank SEFM Market Manager Andrea Wood for her help while I attempted to juggle two jobs AND put on a successful event, and Randall Smith of Smith Angus Farm for his generous donation of our secret ingredient.

Thanks as well to the contestants, David Parisi, Lynne Bressler, and Jennie Heck, for sticking it out in the heat and being so enthusiastic about the event and the market.

Finally I would like to thank the SEFM Board of Directors and all of the market vendors – this event wouldn’t have happened without their support and they are the reason why I am so passionate about the South Estes Farmers Market.

Go here for Jennie Heck’s winning recipe, and I hope to see you out at the market!

Marinated Flank Steak with sautéed veggies and peach salsa