LEESBURG, VA, November 2017 … West Belmont Place at The National Conference Center hosted its second Junior Chef Competition on Saturday, November 4 with 10 busy junior chefs vying for a grand prize – a Chef’s Table for 10 to host their parents, teachers and friends. The second annual event was part of the West Belmont’s Taste of the Season event announcing the partnership with CEA Farms, highlighting local wines and beer and celebrating the fall harvest with local foods. The food pairings were created by Executive Chef Todd Goldian.
The Junior Chef participants were in two categories, determined by age, where they prepared a savory or sweet preparation. The younger age group (ages 6-11) did cupcake decorating using piping bags, baking utensils, many different icings and decorations. The older age group (ages 12-16) had to choose their ingredients from a Mexican food bar with a variety of meats, seafood, tortillas, spices and herbs from The National’s garden. Each participant had 20 minutes to prep and prepare a simple dish to present to the judges.
Winners include:
1st Place, Tabitha Ann Strain 2nd Place, Da’Morian Jackson 3rd Place, Anna Morris
“We are so thrilled that the community has embraced West Belmont’s Jr. Chef Competition and are excited to support our youngest chefs in the community,” said Executive Chef Todd “So many families are cooking together these days, and we want this to be an annual event that celebrates good healthy, family fun.” Chef Todd is committed to a Farm to Table program as he partners with local farmers. Because The National and West Belmont Place often prepares 1,200 dinners a night, these farmers, CEA Farms in particular, have expanded their harvest so that The National can purchase directly from them.
A panel of judges included Geoff Lawson, Vice President and General Manager; Executive Chef Todd Goldian and John Walsh, Food and Beverage Director all from West Belmont Place at The National.
For more information about West Belmont Place at The National and upcoming events that are open to the public, visit West Belmont Place’s event page or call 703-724-6250.
