Plaidvocates Chopped-Style Cook-Off
(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) – On Sunday, March 31, the Plaidvocates hosted the second annual Chopped-style Cook-Off in celebration of National Nutrition Month with the purpose to provide a new, fun way for student-athletes to meet each other and compete outside of their sport.
Eight teams of four student-athletes each competed in an engaging Chopped-style cook off. Contestants not only got the chance to hone in on their nutrition knowledge with a questionnaire, but also got to learn professional knife and cooking skills thanks to the Chartwells distinguished chefs.
Chicken and tofu dishes had numerous influences, including everything from Asian to Hawaiian. A judging panel composed of an accomplished Chartwells Chef Levi, along with CMU athletic coaches; Samantha Crough and Chris Moraga, and Dean of Student Affairs; Gina Casalegno provided students with constructive feedback and ways to take their cooking to the next level. The top three teams even received gift cards and prizes for their superb craftsmanship!
The eight teams of four were instructed to make a meal with two different proteins and incorporate a fresh ingredient such as a vegetable, a salad, or even a salsa. They were given 45 minutes to prepare the meal which was cooked on hot plates.
The teams were judged on creativity, presentation, and taste.
The top three teams were awarded prize baskets donated by department coaches, Mercurio’s, and Eat Unique.