Culinary Competition Showcases Students’ Talent, Creativity, and Skill

Throughout the year, the Culinary Institute of Virginia sponsors many contests, but Best of Bites is one of the biggest. A tremendous collaboration with Atlantic Shores, an award-winning retirement community located in Virginia Beach, it challenges each team to create a fresh, new recipe. It can be savory or sweet, crunchy or creamy, raw or cooked. Moreover, student contestants are encouraged to consider their use of colors, textures, and presentation.

Atlantic Shores’ residents served as judges and were tasked with rating each dish based ingredients, freshness, color, flavor, and creativity. In addition to judging, Atlantic Shores also funded the scholarship prize money for all the winners, $3000 in all. “This has been a wonderful, enduring partnership,” said Culinary Institute of Virginia Campus Director Glenn Mack to the residents when they arrived. “We want you to know how much we appreciate not only your moral support, but financial support as well!”

In an exciting twist, this year’s winning team was comprised of students who were just completing their second term, a truly impressive accomplishment.

First Place: Team Nubies – Justin Oller and Angela Oakman

Dish: Potato Bites – Crumbled Bacon, Cheddar, Chive Spread on a Crispy Potato Gaufrette

Award: $600.00 scholarship for each student

Second Place: Jenna Wackowski and Tristan Veneziano

Dish: Banana Entremet – Banana Cake on a Vanilla Wafer Crust topped with Chocolate Ganache, Swiss Meringue and Bruleed Bananas

Award: $500.00 scholarship for each student

Third Place: Vincent Hermogino and Ashley Rey

Dish: Reuben Pinwheels – Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut Pinwheels with Russian Dressing, topped with House-made Pickles

Award: $400.00 scholarship for each student

Congratulations to the winners and a great job done by all!