Chefs Cook Up Some Fun in the Food Fight Finals 2016
We just wrapped up our third annual Food Fight Finals. This year, the bar was raised even higher as the competition extended to chefs from TouchPoint Support Services. With the support of business partners – Hormel, Rich’s, Kraft Heinz and Chef Works – the 2016 Food Fight drew dozens of nominations. Eventually, we narrowed down the participants to four finalists: Chef William Rodimon, Chef Dennis Rodgers, Chef Shawn Hunt and Chef Matt Luangla.
Organized by Senior Corporate Executive Chef John Rifkin and hosted by Chef Jet Tila from The Food Network, this year’s Food Fight Finals took place on June 15th at Hillcrest in La Verne, CA. We further increased engagement by once again making the competition available via live stream.
Food Fight’s styled after Food Network’s “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen.” During the finals, chefs received several creative challenges including having to use foil and a golf club as cooking utensils as well as wearing a PB&J suit. Residents also participated in the challenge by deciding how much time the chefs were given for certain challenges. They even enjoyed watching and judging a Pad Thai competition between Chef Rifkin and Chef Tila.
After surviving elimination rounds and creating stand out dishes throughout all three rounds, Chef Matt Luangla from TouchPoint’s St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appelton, WI took home the first place title. Overall, all of the chefs and residents had a great time and the event even garnered national attention.
Born from the idea of melting fun with engagement and competition, the Food Fight is a unique event that showcases culinary talent and career opportunities within the healthcare and senior living space. Additionally, it’s received some outside recognition. Our 2015 Food Fight video recently won a Bronze People’s Telly Award. We’re extremely honored and excited that this unique video was recognized with this prestigious award.
We looks forward to next year’s competition and is excited about finding unique ways to enhance this program and foster camaraderie against its associates.
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The residents at Hillcrest had so much fun watching as the 4 chefs competed against each other. Chef Jet was fun and engaging! Congratulations to all the competitors and many thanks to the sponsors. We are looking forward to the next Food Fight!