Chefs rise to challenge Above: Brothers Kevin Peterson, left, and Eric Peterson, both cooks at Illinois Street Residence Halls, work on their team’s menu during the fourth Chef’s Challenge on Nov. 8. Hosted by University Housing Dining Services in the Illinois Street Residence Halls’ dining room, the event awarded three employees a three-day workshop at the Culinary Institute of America in Greystone, Calif. The winning team, below, was coach Carrie Knox (production chef at Peabody Dining Hall); Harro Barrante, kitchen helper; and Katisha Williams, snack bar attendant (both at Gregory Drive Dining Hall). They competed against six other teams of residence hall and Illini Union dining staff members. The teams were challenged to create their most innovative and tasty menu that included this year’s main ingredient – noodles – in front of a student audience. Celebrity judges David Martin (formerly on Bravo TV’s “Top Chef”) and Jet Tila (Food Network, The Learning Channel, HGTV and PBS) joined Renee Romano, vice chancellor for student affairs, and a student judge to sample and evaluate the teams’ dishes. The teams had one hour to complete their meals.
photos by Justin Parker
