On Monday, January 29th, Zehnder’s Restaurant once again played host to the 27th Annual Hot Food Competition. This year’s theme was Sweet Home Chicago – “A Culinary Salute to the Windy City”. Professional chefs competed with original recipes based on a Chicago theme. Proceeds support the Saginaw East Side Soup Kitchen “After School Meal Program”.
The highlight of the evening was entertainment provided by Blues Mobile, since no Chicago theme is complete without “Blues” style music. Zehnder’s was well represented in the competition
taking a first place award, a second place award and a silver “Best in Show” award.
And the winners of the ACF Hot Food Competition “Sweet Home Chicago – A Salute to the Windy City” are…
Beef Category:
Bronze – Chef Aaron Smock from Prost Wine Bar and Charcuterie with Chicago Steak Fries with Polenta Fries
Silver – Chef Harley Torrez from Zehnder’s Restaurant with Jack D’s Honey Steak Pizza
Gold – Chef Randy Page from Redwood Steakhouse in Flint with Pastrami – Hot Italian with Sweet Potato
- Gold:
- Silver:
- Bronze: Chef Aaron Smock
Hot Dog Category:
Bronze – Chef Robert Zehnder from Tuscola Technical Center in Caro with Chicago Chili Dog with Cheddar Apple Mac and Cheese
Silver – Chef Lance Buchinger from Zehnder’s Restaurant with Wiener Wellington with Gorgonzola and Sausage Risotto Stuffed Peppers
Gold – Chef Denis Fahrenbruch from Bay Arenac Skill Center with Hotto Doggo U
- Gold: Denis Fahrenbruch
- Silver: Lance Buchinger
- Bronze: Chef Robert Zehnder
Pork:
Bronze – Chef Charles Venable from Touchpoint Services – St. Mary’s with Windy City Osso Buco Style Spare Ribs
Silver – Chefs Jacob and Maria Austin from the Golden Glow Restaurant with Pulled Pork Ravioli with Oven Roasted Tomato Coulis
Gold – Chef Ray Quick from Z Chef’s Cafe with Jibarito with a Twist
- Gold: Chef Ray Quick
- Silver: Chefs Jacob and Maria Austin
- Bronze: Chef Charles Venable
Pastry:
Silver – Chefs Jacob and Maria Austin from the Golden Glow Restaurant with Basil Oil/Caramel Mocha Cheesecake
Gold – Chef Denise Fahrenbruch from Bay Arenac Skill Center with 4-C’s Chicago Chocolate Caramel Cake
- Gold: Chef Denise Fahrenbruch
- Silver: Chefs Jacob and Maria Austin
Best of Show:
Silver – Chef Lance Buchinger from Zehnder’s Restaurant
Gold – Chefs Jacob and Maria Austin from the Golden Glow Restaurant
- Gold: Chef Denise Fahrenbruch
- Silver: Chef Lance Buchinger
People’s Choice Award:
Chef Randy Page from Redwood Steakhouse in Flint with Pastrami – Hot Italian with Sweet Potato Salad
All Photos: