The first competition of the series of four took place on
Sunday, June 21st, when Nickel City Chef Krista Van Wagner of Curly’s challenged Chef Brian
Mietus of Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant. The judging panel
consisted of Kevin LoVullo (host of Spiel the Wine on WWKB-1520AM),
Kristen Becker (comedian and host of the Doin’ Time Stand-Up Comedy Showcase at Neitzche’s) and Alan Bedenko
(lawyer, BuffaloPundit blogger and restaurant reviewer for Buffalo Spree magazine).
The secret ingredient featured was Eggland’s Best Egg.
Challenging Chef Mietus won by a hair with a score of 54, defeating Chef Van
Wagner by one point.
The next challenge will take place on Sunday, July 19th,
featuring competitors Nickel City Chef JJ Richert of Torches and Chef Joseph Fenush
III of Park Country Club. The judge will include Nelson Starr (Buffalo Music Hall
of Famer and host of All Access Pass), Lisa Tucker (publisher and editor of Edible Buffalo Magazine) and a
mystery judge to be announced on the day of the event.
The third NCC challenge will take place on Sunday, August 23rd.
Nickel City Chef Paul Jenkins of Tempo will battle Chef Bruce Wieszala of Verbena. The judging panels
will include Elizabeth Licata (editor of Buffalo Spree magazine), another
mystery judge and third judge to be announced.
The
fourth and final culinary challenge will take place on Sunday, September 20th,
featuring Nickel City Chef Adam Goetz of Sample versus Chef Kate
Elliott of the recently opened Juniper. John Bourdage (founder of Bourdage
Consulting and host of Wine, Wit and Wisdom on LCTV), a lucky member of the audience and
a third judge (to be announced) will make up the panel.