Jersey Shore Chef’s Challenge another success for Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce

By Patty Booth O’Neill
The Annual Jersey Shore Chef’s Challenge was another successful event hosted by the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce. Almost 200 people attended the gala, which was dedicated to the Kay Guadagno Memorial Fund at Monmouth Medical Center.
The large room at the Ocean Place Resort and Spa in Long Branch was filled with aromas, delightful culinary dishes to tempt the appetite and plenty of people ready to sample and then submit their vote for their favorite dish. The tables, attractively decorated with beautiful centerpieces by Flowers by Van Brunt, were in the center of the room while chefs outlined the perimeter.

There were two categories of awards, one chosen by four judges and the other was the People’s Choice Award chosen by diners.

Four judges, Lou Morreale, JBJ Soul Kitchen; Brian Petersen, PCII, Chef Manager at Rutgers University; Michael Sirianni, Principal/ Director for the Culinary Education Center and David Strollo, What’s On Your

Plate, rated dishes on taste, plating and originality.

There were so many dishes that it was hard to choose a favorite.

The judges choice was Trama’s Trattoria on Brighton Ave., Long Branch. Chef Michael Butler served a Lamb Ragu topped with Pomegranate Seeds.

People’s Choice went to The 2nd Flr. Restaurant for Sam Nativo’s Pumpernickel Bread Gnocci, Pastrami Roast Pig, Fried Brussel Sprouts and Peppercorn Cream. Happy for Sam was his partner Michael Bienz from Mix Lounge, who served a Low & Slow Pork Belly on a Cornmeal Pancake, Chipotle BBQ Glaze and Country Slaw.

“I had a great time judging all the chefs,” said Lou Morreale. “Everyone had great ideas and really showed their skills.”

There was so much to choose from such as a  delicious Lobster Salad sandwich by Master Chef Ken Mansfield, Beach Tavern, or Joe & Joe Jr Tuzzio’s Italian Cuisine’s chicken dish that had them going back for seconds.

Chef Pedro Custodio from Mar Belo served Tile Fish over a delicious creamy risotto, while Chef George Werns from the Ocean Place Resort and Spa served a Southwest Chipotle Shrimp dish that was amazing. Chef

Paul Holzheimer from the Grand Tavern in Neptune served a smokey pumpkin soup that had everyone talking, and Chef Thomas Schoborg from Rooney’s Oceanfront Restaurant handed out Sous Vide Lobster Risotto.

The Culinary Education Center of Monmouth County did not forget about pleasing the sweet tooth, serving an amazing Crispy Apple Pecan Baklava Nests. Yes they were as good as they sound. And Taste the Cakes had an assortment of delights to chose from.

Dark City Brewing Co. served one of its famous concoctions made out of blueberries, and Court Liquors offered a sampling of beers.

Hello Chef in West End  served Achiote Shrimp Stew with Orange Fennel Broth, while the Fromagerie’s Chef John Doughterty served a hearty beef dish that could have been dinner.

The Chef Challenge Committee was made up of Sam Nativo, Mary George, Pauline Poyner, Michael Bienz, Joan Wills, Nancy Kleiberg, Aaron Levine, Darrell Wordelmann and Lisa George.

“This was a great night,” said Nancy Kleiberg, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “We had some new chefs here and they all were great!”