10th Annual Vitamix Challenge

10th Annual Vitamix Challenge
 
Five selected finalists will travel to Brooklyn to compete at this one-of-a-kind blend-off on the Congress Main Stage on Tuesday, October 29th. This year's Challenge will feature recipes that tie into the theme of this year's Congress, New Foundations. By transforming the texture, taste, and form of ingredients, the five selected recipes reflect the new foundations of progressive cooking. 
 
2018 Competitors
 
Kiki Aranita | Poi Dog | Chicago
Alan Delgado | Comedor | Austin, TX
Anna Fitting | Delicious Solutions | Brooklyn
Yael Peet | Fury's | Brooklyn
David Yoshimura | Californios | San Francisco
 
2018 Judges
 
Jonathan Benno | Leonelli Restaurants | New York
Spike Gjerde | Woodberry Kitchen| Baltimore
Jeremy Jacobowitz | Brunch Boys | New York
John Taube IV | Sunday Hospitality | Los Angeles
Adam Wilson | Vitamix | Cleveland, OH
 
Prizes
 
The grand prize winner receives: $5,000 and a commercial blender of winner's choice. 
 
All finalists receive a $500 travel stipend to compete at the 2019 StarChefs Congress.
 
Judging
 
Judges based their assessment on the visual presentation, uniqueness of equipment technique, compatibility with the StarChefs Congress theme, and the overall taste of the dish. 
 
Rules & Regulations
 
The competition is open to any working chef (restaurant, hotel, catering, banquet, etc.), both savory and pastry. Five finalists will be chosen to compete at the 2019 StarChefs Congress.
 
At the Congress, finalists will have one hour to prep. The finalists will then have one hour on the Main Stage to compete and present his or her dish to the judging panel. The blending portion of each recipe must take place on the Main Stage in front of the judges. Finalists will be required to bring their own ingredients
 
Each competitor will have access to the following equipment: Vitamix blender, stand mixers, induction burners, oven, refrigerator, and basic small wares.
 
 

Rising Stars Award Winners