Chef Central of Paramus is will host the first ever Ultimate Chef New Jersey (UCNJ) competition, formerly called Ultimate Chef Bergen County (UCBC).
On Saturday, January 9, representing Union County, chef Don Macmath of Twin Brooks Country Club in Watchung, will square off against the Bergen County representative, chef Todd Villani of Terre a Terre Restaurant in Carlstadt. On Saturday, January 16th, representing Passaic County, chef Josh Bernstein of Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas in Clifton, will square off against the representative from Essex County, chef Justin Manzi of The Pig and Prince Restaurant in Montclair. The two winners of these rounds will then face each other in the semi-finals on Saturday, January 23. On Saturday, January 30, the winner of that round will then face the reigning UCBC Champion chef Carlos Valdez of The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Hackensack for the title of Ultimate Chef New Jersey 2016 Champion.
All events start at 11 AM and admission is free to the public. There is very limited seating. Chefs will be given a mystery ingredient that must be a major part of each of the four courses they submit for judging. Audience members will receive tasting samples of two of each chef’s four dishes. Judges will score each dish on taste, presentation, cooking skills, innovation and degree of difficulty. The chef who has a winning score on a majority of scorecards will win. The competition is sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Information: 201-576-0178.
Psst…I will be a judge for the first three rounds. Be sure to say hello.
OTHER FOOD EVENTS
JANUARY 6
CALIFORNIA WINE TASTING
Eno Terra, 4484 Rt 27, Kingston will host a California Dreamin’ tasting with light hors d’oeuvres from 6 to 8 PM; $20. Reservations: 609-497-1777.
JANUARY 12
ART OF LOCAL CUISINE DINNER
A six-course Art of Local Cuisine Dinner will be held at Terre a Terre, 312 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt (201-507-0500) with chef/owner Todd Villani joined by chef David Viana of The Kitchen at Grove Station, Jersey City. $92 plus tax and gratuity.
JANUARY 19
SNOWFLAKE DINNER
A six-course comfort food Snowflake Dinner will be held at Terre a Terre, 312 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt (201-507-0500), with chef/owner Todd Villani joined by chef Denis Weekes of Hornblower cruises and Jeremie Tomzcak of King Bee in Manhattan. $92, plus tax and gratuity.
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