Remsen Student Set to Compete in 2019 United Way Youth Cooking Challenge
Remsen sixth grader and amateur chef Andrew Broadbent has been selected to compete in United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area’s 2019 Youth Cooking Challenge presented by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield.
Andrew will be paired with a local chef to compete against six other pairs of students and chefs. Local chefs participating are:
- Chance Bear, The Ridge Tavern;
- Brian Donovan, The Balanced Chef;
- Tim Hardiman, The Tailor & the Cook/Utica Bread;
- Michael Latreille, Michael’s Fine Food & Spirits/The Hamilton Inn;
- Regina Piacentino, Bella Regina;
- Victor Ramirez, The Madison Bistro;
- Melinda Thomas, Baggs Square Café
Each team will be professionally filmed preparing a “signature” dish. The public will then be invited to vote for their favorite team. Keep an eye on our page for instructions on how to help support Andrew once voting is open.
After the online voting period, two teams will advance to a “cook-off” finale event scheduled for Monday, April 15. This event will be held at Restaurant Equipment Equipment Company’s brand-new test kitchen located at 53 New Hartford Shopping Center.
All contestants will receive this year's selected cookbook, the runner-up will receive a cooking-themed prize basket valued at $150 and the grand prize winner will receive a cooking-themed prize basket valued at $250 donated by Boscov's.
This event is also made possible thanks to sponsors Oneida County BOCES Teachers Association, Townsquare Media, Capitol Arts Complex (Rome Capitol Theatre), Restaurant Equipment Equipment Corp., CNY Labor Council, Utica First Insurance, Mohawk Valley Community College Professional Association, and Hannaford Supermarkets.
The cooking challenge is a component of United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area’s health initiative with a focus on childhood health and wellness.
Congratulations, Andrew, and we can’t wait to see what you cook up!