April 14, 2023
CONTACT: John Donnadio at (609) 394-3467 or JDonnadio@njac.org
(Trenton) – The New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC) is pleased to present the mouthwatering menu for the 10th annual “County Vocational Technical School Cook-Off Challenge” set for 12:00 p.m. on Friday May 5th at Caesar’s in Atlantic City, where culinary art students from across the State of New Jersey will compete for scholarship monies and titles in taste, creativity, and food presentation with the amazing dishes featured below. And we’re thrilled that for the first time, renowned CHEF CARMINE DI GIOVANNI will join us as a judge. Chef Di Giovanni began his remarkable career at Daniel, Picholine, and BR Guest restaurants. He was a co-founder and partner at Aunt Jake’s NYC, previously served as an executive chef at David Burke Townhouse, and is currently the Chief Operating Officer at David Burke Hospitality. He’s appeared on Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations,” “Chef Wanted,” “Chopped,” and “Best Thing I Ever Ate” on the Food Network.
BERGEN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, PARAMUS: Birria Tacos with Mexican Style Pickled Vegetables
BURLINGTON COUNTY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, WEST TECH: Korean Fusion Street Taco
CAMDEN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS: American BBQ Asian Fusion
CAPE MAY COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS: Cape May County Zoo Crepes
CUMBERLAND COUNTY TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER: Grilled Maryland Crab Cake
HUDSON COUNTY SCHOOLS OF TECHNOLOGY: Carbonara Y Pepe
MIDDLESEX COUNTY MAGNET SCHOOLS, EAST BRUNSWICK: Miniature Pulled Pork Cone
MONMOUTH COUNTY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: Beef Skirt Steak Korean Style
OCEAN COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL: Pan Roasted Monkfish
PASSAIC COUNTY TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS: Ying Yang Vegetarian Egg Rolls & Chicken Dumplings
SOMERSET COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL SCHOOL: Duck Confit
Each team will consist of 5-6 students and 2 staff members; and, must create 300 samples of appetizers at a total cost of less than $700.00. NJAC officials, Chef Di Giovanni along with our Atlantic City chef friends, and convention guests will have the enjoyable task of judging the tough competition that will close the Association’s 72nd annual celebration of county government.
Since we love the event so much, we’ve also increased the scholarship awards for the three winning schools competing in the People’s Choice category to $1,250.00 for the Champion, $750.00 for the silver medalist, and $500.00 for bronze.
“We’re delighted to once again provide these future Food Network stars and restaurant owners with the unique opportunity to showcase their incredible talents at the Association’s premiere event that gets better and better every year.” said NJAC President and Camden County Commissioner, Jonathan Young.
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- Cumberland County Upper-Level Dog Burger, the 2022 People’s Choice Champion
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- Burlington County Culinary Art Students
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- Hunterdon County Culinary Art Students
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- NJ 101.5’s Eric Scott as an NJAC Judge
Special thanks to the New Jersey Council of County-Vocational Technical Schools for their hard work and commitment to making the Cook-Off Challenge a tremendous success. Please make sure to visit our website at www.njac.org for additional details about this one-of-a-kind event and the Association’s 72nd annual celebration of county government also featuring: an inspirational County College Acapella Sing- Off; the Nick Acocella County Leader Showcase with Eric Scott; nearly three-dozen professional development workshops approved for continuing education credits; county service awards; and, the opportunity to network with community and business leaders from all 21 counties.