Iron Skillet Cook-Off Recap

[ 0 ] November 8, 2012 | Johnna

Images via Lauren Haimelin

I had the pleasure of attending the Iron Skillet® Cook Off Competition Hosted by Crimson in Manhattan on Monday evening October 22^nd. This year marks their 11^th annual cooking challenge between 5 New York City Firefighters and 5 Top Chefs. Each Firefighter begins by selecting a recipe, and then the top chef must vary it to make it his/her own. The tables set up in every comfortable inch of space boasted aromatic dishes of all varieties-shrimp, beef, pork and some chicken and waffles in between. The crowd mingled, sipped on Makers Mark from one of the evening’s sponsors, and then tuned in to check out the celebrity auctioned donated goods and services for the night.

When the winner was announced, no one was surprised…the line at his table was long and strong from the moment he opened shop. This year’s champion Khalid Baylor from Ladder 14 in Manhattan had us all drooling at even the smell of his Lemongrass Fried Chicken with Sweet Potato Waffles and a Peach Schnapps Compote. Next, in second place we had firefighter Pete Lazarcheck from Engine 291 in Queens tantalizing the palate with his Skirt Steak with Burgundy Cream Sauce. Coming in third place was Pete’s restaurant chef competitor Matt Gibson from Legends Hospitality at Yankee Stadium. He also prepared Skirt Steak with Burgundy sauce but added a twist or two by placing it in a delicious mini roll and serving with some fabulous Fried String Beans with Roulade that were to die for.

This lively and light hearted event is the sole annual fund raiser for the World Cares Center, a Non-Profit whose mission is to alleviate the pain and suffering inherent in accidents and disasters by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and training local citizens, agencies, and leaders to prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergency situations. A lovely night with delicious food it was, with a toast to local heroes and all the volunteers who help to make World Cares a true success. We all left belly full and ready to sign up for next year again! With so many little treats to sample, I was surprised anyone actually left at all.

*The Iron Skillet Cook-Off Recap is courtesy Lauren Haimelin, a New York based artist and writer.

Tags: cooking competition, Lauren Haimelin, new york

Category: Announcements, Food.Fun.Stuff., Travels

About the Author (Author Profile)

Johnna French is a Harlem NY native with deep roots in Panama, Washington, DC and North Carolina. All four places have heavily influenced her life and the foods she loves today. After graduating Howard University School of Law and beginning her life as a young professional in the city she was led to start Johnna Knows Good Food in November 2007 to keep family, friends and colleagues updated on where to go and what to eat while dining in the nation’s capitol. French, who still practices law, leads a team of three writers to cover the ever expanding Washington, DC food scene. French has been featured in print and television, appearing in Washingtonian Magazine and is a regular contributor to various local TV affiliates including WUSA 9, FOX 5 DC and WJLA (ABC Affiliate) News Channel 8. During the 2016-2017 football season, Johnna aired on Comcast Sports Mid-Atlantic (CSN) show, Redskins Life, as the weekly tailgate host. Johnna is currently a regular contributor to the FOX Baltimore Weekend morning show.