2009 Chef's Challenge Raises $50,000

Last week, the Orlando Culinary Academy Le Cordon Bleu program, along with the International Academy of Design and Technology, played host to the 2009 Chef's Challenge, which this year benefited the Threshold Center for Autism.

Threshold, a non-profit, has helped parents with autistic children for more than 30 years. The proceeds of the dinner, estimated at $50,000, will go to the construction of a state-of-the-art activities center for the developmentally disabled of Central Florida.

Two of Orlando's finest, Chef Lionel Heydel of the Orlando Culinary Academy and Chef Bram Fowler of Journey's Restaurant, battled it out in front of a live audience of over 130 and a panel of judges. The evening, which began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, really got going when Master of Ceremonies Dennis Salvagio kicked-off the chef challenge dinner in the transformed Kitchen Stadium at Orlando Culinary Academy.

The audience of foodies watched in awe as the chefs quickly prepared their meals. Each guest dined on seven courses; three courses from each chef and a surprise Alaskan dessert prepared by students from Orlando Culnary Academy. After each course, guests cast their votes for their favorite dishes.

An esteemed panel of judges, including Chef Richard Barth, CEC and Orlando Culinary Academy Culinary Department Chair, Ellen Hutter of Restaurant Forum magazine, Hyatt Regency Executive Chef David Didzunas and well-known Chef Christopher Robb Murray, critiqued each dish based on quality, originality and presentation. At the end of the evening, Chef Fowler was awarded top honor as the 2009 Chef Challenge Winner.

In addition to the 50 Orlando Culinary Academy students who helped the chefs prepare the dishes and serve the guests, 20 students from IADT assisted in setting up and filming the event.

 










 




Rocket Fuel