We Have a Winner?

Chef Joe wondering, where is the love?

Controversy surrounded round one of Bravo's Top Chef Competizion in Pittsburgh at the Cranberry Bravo on the late morning of April 16th.

We had a tie between Chef Joe Vavrek of Crosswoods with his Pan Roasted Salmon cakes, Spring Pea Salad and Herbed Aioli and Chef Mike (a.k.a. Biggie) Kyle of Waterfronts' Fruitta Griglia. His dish of grilled Woodburn Farms peaches with balsamic vinegar, Proscuitto di Parma and Boursin Cheese was simply and perfectly executed.

As always we removed the high and low scores, they tied. We removed the second lowest score, Biggies threatening glance to all those whom oppose him.

They tied!!!!!........
We removed the second highest score and we finally had a winner!!! Chef Biggie. Representing Pittsburgh for the second time in three years!



Of the three scores between, Joe, Biggie and Liel there were .19 of a point difference......

The quality of your presentation will save your bacon if something goes slightly wrong.

In the subbattle that took place we were calling "Iron Chef Battle Funghi" chefs Robert Stackhouse of Galleria and Chef Leil Owens of Robinson, our second runner up, duked it out over stuffed mushroom presentations. Chef Norm Scarberry of McKnight bucked the trend by creating a great light dish with proscuitto wrapped scallops and a fresh and vibrant couscous salad.

Congratulations to all those who competed and those who had to sacrifice so our chefs could compete. Special thanks to Rich and Hope from Cranberry who orchestrated the environment like it was the academy awards!!


Next week brings two competitions, The first one In Michigan with Tim and Woody's regions followed by Lance's region on Thursday in Dayton.

This years competition has an added element to it......All runners up are also invited to Columbus, to JUDGE the final competition on the 15th and 16th of July at the home office!!