Philip Speer, executive pastry chef at Uchi restaurant in Austin, Texas, came out on top during The 2012 Vitamix® Challenge, while battling it out against five other top chefs from across the country in a one-of-a-kind “blend off.” Contestants were tasked with creating a dish that showcased the Vitamix blender in an innovative, creative and delicious way.
The competition was held October 2 during the StarChefs.com International Chefs Congress at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. Vitamix, a recognized global leader in blender technology since 1921, sponsored the competition.
Speer teamed with the Vita-Prep® 3 to recreate his scallop chorizo, fried egg emulsion, and corn crumble before a panel of judges. Named the Grand Prize winner, he received the ultimate Vitamix package containing a Vita-Prep® 3, a Vitamix® XL™ , The Quiet One®, and a $500 American Express gift card. Closely following Speer was Tyler Anderson, owner and executive chef, Millwright’s Restaurant & Tavern, Simsbury, Conn.
All six semifinalists received a $500 certificate for travel to New York City, a three-day industry pass to attend the StarChefs.com International Chefs Congress and an exclusive Vitamix travel bag.
“With so many talented chefs using Vitamix in extremely versatile and unique ways, we’re always excited to see new recipes being created in their kitchens,” said Jodi L. Berg, president and CEO, Vita-Mix Corporation. “This year’s competition was very close, and all of the outstanding dishes made the decision difficult. All of the chefs brought their best to the competition, and we were pleased to see the enthusiasm and inspiration that the Vitamix Challenge continues to bring each year. We hope chefs continue to think creatively about blending and take advantage of the many unique features of all premium commercial blenders in our product line.”
Those interested in learning more about Vitamix’s support of StarChefs.com can visit http://www.starchefs.com/cook/icc-sponsor/vitamix/vitamix-challenge/2012 <http://www.starchefs.com/cook/icc-sponsor/vitamix/vitamix-challenge/2012%20> to view partnership information, product information, chef recommendations and testimonials, as well as recipes using Vitamix equipment.
