On January 29, 2012, Mechanics Hall will be filled to the gorgeous, historic ceilings, as 1,000 “foodies” gather to taste the creations of some of the very best culinary experts in the Central Mass and Metro West regions at Worcesters Best Chef!
Last year, the event occupied all levels and rooms of Mechanics Hall, and featured nearly two dozen culinary experts and their teams, as they competed for the top three spots of the competition in the Judges’ Choice Awards. Those finalists then competed live on stage in a timed final round – Iron Chef style – using Thermador kitchen equipment and a full pantry of ingredients. The crowd was attentive and engaged as Wilson Wang from BABA Sushi, Jared Calderone from Feng Asian Bistro & Hibachi, and Timothy Quinn from The Oliver Wight Tavern at Old Sturbridge Village brought their “A” game in front of TV cameras and a live crowd.
The People’s Choice Award winners included Mark Hawley of Flying Rhino in Worcester, Wilson Wang of BABA Sushi in Worcester, and Brian Treitman of BT’s Smokehouse in Sturbridge.
Ultimately, Chef Quinn took the top honor and was congratulated by the all-star judges’ panel, which included Barry Sexton from Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible, Alina Eisenhauer from Sweet Pastry Shop and Dessert Bar, who appeared on Food Network’s Chopped and Cupcake Wards, Paul Wilson, initiator of the Central Massachusetts Chapter of the American Culinary Federation and former executive chef of Pepper’s Fine Foods, Christopher Liazos, a local culinary icon and former owner of the Webster House Restaurant, Barbara Houle, food columnist and writer of the Telegram & Gazette’s Table Hoppin’ feature, Christina Andreanopolous, host of Innovacion TV and City Vibes, and Stanley Nicas, owner of the Castle Restaurant and Founder and President – Les Amis d’Escoffier Society of New England, National Chapter Chairman – Les Amis d’Escoffier Society, Foundation Founder and Chairman – International Wine and Food Society of Central Massachusetts, Founder and Chairman – American Culinary Federation of Professional Chefs/Massachusetts Culinary Association, and the Regional Director – American Academy of Chefs, just to name a few.
We invite you to join us in supporting the true hero of the restaurants in the area: the chefs. You can order your tickets below, or directly at WorcestersBestChef.com. Early Admission (4-5 p.m.) VIP tickets: $60, General Admission at 5 p.m.: $40.