Chef Challenge at Eagle’s Trace features culinary creativity
When two chefs of Eagle’s Trace put their culinary skills to the test, the result was a celebration of creativity and camaraderie unique to the Lone Star State.
The Erickson Living retirement community hosted its Creative Chef Challenge before a full house of residents, priority list members and special guests.
They not only enjoyed a delicious meal, but witnessed a showdown between chefs Jesica Aguirre and Joshua Raia.
The two locally trained culinary professionals were given a mystery basket filled with random ingredients (fresh whole tilapia, cactus, lemongrass, Rice Krispies and a can of Spam) and asked to prepare a unique dish of their choice —in just 45 minutes.
Their respective cooking stations had basic spices and oils. They were even fitted with overhead mirrors and television equipment so the 130 guests in attendance could follow their every move. The pressure was on as emcees Steve Aigner, executive director, and Pam Burgeson, sales director, provided “play by play” and analysis.
As they watched the competition, guests were served a tasty gazpacho to start, followed by a classic surf and turf entrée featuring tender grilled beef tips and stuffed lobster tail. Delicate mini tarts filled with sweet cream and luscious fruit capped off the threecourse meal, all prepared by the dining services team of Eagle’s Trace.
A three-member panel rated Aguirre and Raia in the categories of presentation, taste and creativity. The judges were Cleverley Stone of Fox 26 (KRIVTV) in Houston, Michelle Bohreer of the law firm of Bohreer & Zucker LLP and a member of the Eagle’s Trace board of directors, and Connie Rudloff of BBVA Compass Bank. After the tabulation, Raia was declared the champion by a razor-thin margin.
“We are proud of our culinary staff, so it was fun to watch Jesica and Joshua showcase their talents in a friendly competition,” Burgeson said. “They are part of a team that prepares fresh, chef-prepared meals at our two restaurants, and soon, at our new dining venue in Amarillo Terrace. It’s all part of our signature dining experience introduced this summer.”