WORCESTER- Hundreds of eager guests bustled between two floors of Mechanics Hall in downtown Worcester on Sunday afternoon, sampling a variety of delectable dishes being served by some of Worcester’s most bragged about chefs.
Classical Jazz music plays as guests converse with one another between bites of savory food in anticipation of the 13th Annual Worcester’s Best Chef Competition.
The top three contestants chosen for “Judge’s Choice” were Chef Keith Polania of Samuel Slater’s Restaurant, Chef Mike Wenc of deadhorse hill, and Chef Drew Day of Flying Rhino.
Day would go on as the winner of the “Iron Chef” competition. He prepared pork belly, scallops, and salt cod bisque
Here is the full list of winners from this year’s Worcester’s Best Chef Competition:
The judges panel consisted of: Steven Blair of Johnson and Whales University, Denny Corriveau of The Wild Chef, George Malavasic of Johnson and Whales University, Peter Eco of Sonoma, Barbara Houle of Worcester Telegram and Gazette’s “Table Hoppin,’” and Jim Nicas of Castle Restaurant.
Robin Clark, 29, Executive Pastry Chef at Bocado, and a recent contestant on the hit Food Network cooking competition show, Chopped, prepared a delicious goat cheese cheesecake dessert.
Clark said, “Competing on [Chopped] got me more used to being put under pressure under the clock as well as getting used to things that scare me.”
The one thing she most wants her guests to know is: “I am full of passion and I love what I do, and that shows in the food.”
Clark’s passion was on full display as she went on to take home the judge’s “Perfect Palate” award.
Chef Hersson Villatoro, 38, of Villatoro Cafe in Marlborough, said he’s been a chef pretty much his whole life, but was a first-time competitor at Best Chef.
Villatoro was elected by the committee after being noticed for his skills as a chef. He said, “It took me a couple of days to prep. I’m going with my gut instincts. I held my own, waited for the end, and I did it.”
Villatoro, and select members of his kitchen prepped Marisquito al Poblano — a broth of shrimp, scallops and mussels — for the competition.
And while it may have been Villatoro’s first time at the competition, for many guests in the crowd it was a return trip.
It’s the third year in a row at the Best Chef competition for Michelle Wrenn, of Worcester.
Wrenn said, “It’s a good time to get together with my friends and my husband and enjoy all the food.”
First-timer Duane Morrison, 31, of Hudson, said, “I am always looking for stuff to do, this seemed like a really fun event. It’s been very inviting. I love food, and I am expecting for the best chef to win.”
Follow us on The016.com, the social network for Worcester and you!
