Chefs compete in Taste of McHenry County
Call them what you will Iron Chef, Top Chef, Master Chef but Maggie Reis and Jamie Goddeyne are the champions of the inaugural Taste of McHenry County Premier Cooking Competition.
The cooking contest was part of the Taste of McHenry County Sunday at McHenry County College that showcased more than 20 local restaurants specializing in an array of cuisines.
Attendees also go the chance to meet Chicago Blackhawks great Bobby Hull.
Students from McHenry County College's culinary program were teamed up with a professional chef in a competition that tested their skills, creativity and nerve.
“This award is a phenomenal payoff for all of the hard work we put into it,” said Goddeyne, 31, of Crystal Lake. “We had about a month to write the recipes and had one practice about two weeks ago.”
The teams were judged on preparation, presentation and place. Just four points separated the first and second runners-up, but Goddeyne and Reis wowed the panel of judges and the audience with their use of seasonal ingredients. Goddeyne said about 97 percent of the ingredients were produced less than 100 miles of Crystal Lake.
“We let the natural ingredients of Illinois shine through,” Goddeyne said.
Their menu included a Tyson roll with grilled eggplant, chicken and vegetables with a balsamic reduction, which the judges described as “very well balanced.”
Goddeyne's partner, Reis, 57, of Huntley, said she expected her team to win.
“We worked so hard and it all came out perfect,” Reis said. “We had great communication between each other and that is so important in something like this.”
Andrea Franzen, who attended the event with her daughter, Kellea Franzen and a friend, Jackie Gomez, both 16, said the contest was a resourceful way to introduce people to the culinary program at McHenry County College.
“It is great that they finally offer something like this at MCC,” said Franzen, who is the director of the FISH of McHenry Food Pantry. “This is a great way to get the excitement out there that this is part of the school; an addition to the curriculum.”
The trio looked on intently as the teams chopped, stirred and rolled their delectable creations.
“We came and ate food from some of the vendors outside,” Franzen said. “But then we came in here to watch and we have been enthralled ever since. We haven't left the room since.”
Proceeds from the day benefited a culinary scholarship, said Christina Haggerty, MCC's director of marketing and public relations. Haggerty said the college currently offers two certificates in baking and pastry and a general culinary certificate, but will soon offer a two-year associate degree.