Cooking Contest Central  

The internet's premier web site
dedicated to competitive cooking and recipe contests.
Established in 1997

 
2003 IGA FOODS
HOMETOWN HOLIDAYS COOK-OFF
The IGA Hometown Holiday Recipe Challenge was held April 11-13, 2003 in Chicago, ILL. Ten First Place Finalists -- including CCCentral members Debbie Bracker of Mo., Devon Delaney of N.J., Pat Harmon, of Pa., Nikki Norman of Fla./Tenn., Carole Resnick of Ohio, and Cynthia Tantham of Texas -- and their guests were flown to Chicago and enjoyed the weekend as guests of IGA.

Finalists stayed at the Marriott Hotel on N. Michigan Avenue and were treated to an evening meal at Greek Islands Restaurant Friday night and Chicago night life. Saturday was free until mid-afternoon when contestants and guests traveled to the newly remodeled and expanded Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC), which is affiliated with Le Cordon Bleu.

Following an exciting program about their academic and culinary offerings at CHIC, it was time for judging the entries. Three hundred individuals had submitted entries. Chefs at CHIC previously narrowed down the entries to 20, then to the final 10 for judging at this event. Students at the culinary school prepared the winning entries and the Chef faculty served as judges.

Prior to the awards, the finalists and their guests enjoyed hands on and varied instruction during the preparation of our evening meal in the culinary school kitchen. Champagne was served prior to dinner and each finalist received a lovely 14K gold IGA charm bracelet. The highlight Saturday evening was announcement of the 2nd Annual IGA Hometown Holiday Recipe Challenge Winners.

First Place went to Devon Delaney, who won a Whirlpool Kitchen Appliance Package worth $3,297. Second Place went to Nikki Norman, and Third Place went to Leslie Fontana. They were both awarded a Calphalon Cookware set.

Contestants, guests and IGA representatives enjoying a wonderful dinner with wine Saturday evening at CHIC with a magnificent view of the Chicago skyline.  

 
Nikki Norman, Chef Spencer Wolff, and L.C. Norman (left to right).  

 
IGA Promotions Manager, Zorona Chapman, 3rd Place winner, Leslie Fontana, 1st Place Winner, Devon Delaney, and 2nd Place Winner, Nikki Norman (left to right).  

 
Student chef who prepared several finalist’s recipes for judging, Nikki Norman and IGA Promotion’s Manager, Zorona Chapman at Greek Islands Restaurant (left to right).