On Monday, February 23, the red carpet was rolled out for the 34th Annual Professional Chef Competition & Tasting – “Blue Ribbons & Bold Flavors.” The evening brought together some of Michigan’s most talented culinary professionals for a county fair–themed showdown full of creativity, bold flavors, and friendly competition.
Doors opened at 5:00 PM as guests gathered to sample inspired dishes, cast their votes, and celebrate the incredible talent within our local chef community. Proceeds from the event supported the ACF Flint/Saginaw Valley Chapter, helping advance culinary education and professional development throughout the region.
And we are incredibly proud to share that Zehnder’s chefs brought home Silver in the Pork category!
🥈 Silver Medal Winners: “Heavenly Pork Pupusas”
Zehnder’s competing chefs earned Silver in the Pork category with their unforgettable dish, “Heavenly Pork Pupusas.”
Inspired by bold, comforting flavors that fit perfectly with the county fair theme, the dish showcased:
• Perfectly seasoned pork
• Authentic pupusa preparation
• Creative presentation
• Balanced textures and flavors
The judges were impressed not only with the taste but with the execution and presentation. The dish embodied exactly what the competition celebrates—innovation rooted in tradition, with a touch of flair.
This achievement reflects the dedication, skill, and passion our culinary team brings to the table every single day at Zehnder’s.
Recognizing Our Chicken Category Competitors
We would also like to recognize two other talented Zehnder’s chefs who competed in the Chicken category:
• Cassandra Henderson
• Joe Henderson
Their entry, “Crimson Chicken Tacos,” delivered vibrant flavor and creativity, perfectly fitting the bold county fair spirit of the evening. While they did not place this year, their commitment to excellence and willingness to compete on a professional stage speaks volumes about their talent and passion for the culinary arts.
Competitions like this are about more than medals—they’re about growth, creativity, and representing your kitchen with pride. Cassandra and Joe did just that.
A Night of Blue Ribbons & Bold Flavors
This annual event continues to be one of the highlights of Frankenmuth’s culinary calendar. Guests enjoyed:
🎡 Creative, county fair–inspired dishes
🏅 Friendly competition among professional chefs
🍷 A lively tasting experience
🙌 Supporting local culinary education
With limited tickets and a loyal following, this competition once again proved why it’s such a beloved event in our community.
Proud to Represent Frankenmuth
At Zehnder’s, we are incredibly proud of our entire culinary team. Whether earning a Silver medal or stepping boldly into competition, each chef represents our long-standing tradition of quality, hospitality, and passion for great food.
Congratulations to our Silver medal winners for “Heavenly Pork Pupusas,” and to Cassandra and Joe for showcasing their creativity with “Crimson Chicken Tacos.”
Here’s to another year of bold flavors, blue ribbons, and culinary excellence!
