04/30/2026
This past week I had a really cool opportunity to participate in the Western Maryland Food Bank and The Culinaire Café of Allegany College of Maryland Chefs of Steel competition! It was their current students on a team vs. alumni with a secret ingredient- chili peppers! There was an appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert.
The students did amazing and deserved that win. Listening to the way they spoke to each other with encouragement and respect gave me hope for the culinary scene.
I took the salad course incorporating jalapeños, poblanos, and habaneros throughout. My teammate Eric won best use of chili peppers with his egg roll appetizer. Hannah pulled off Creme Brulee in an hour and the student made lava cake which is extremely impressive to complete in one hour start to finish. It was an absolute honor to cook alongside these chefs!!