WATSONVILLE, CA – California Giant Berry Farms, BB #:121061 a leader in fresh sustainable berries, today announced 9 semi-finalists of its 4th annual 2022 Chef Invitational.
The 9 semi-finalists and their recipes are:
- Adrian Day-Murchison, Calavo – Spiced Blueberry Lamb Waffle Burger with Strawberry Feta Tzatziki
- Christian Kearns, Sysco – Bangin’ Berry Taco
- Derek Seigfried, Gordon Food Service – Blackberry Lamb Kofta
- Dontre’al Haigler, Denny’s – California Giant Berry Meets the Sea
- Jereme Nemeth, Sysco – Berry Brisket Sando
- Marites Cotillon, Stone Brewing – Strawberry Scallop Aguachile
- Michael Boyer, Nordstrom – Beet Berry Grain Bowl
- Robert Stegall-Smith – Giant Berry Pizza with Triple Berry Chipotle Sauce and “Strawberry Pepperoni”
- Shea Zappia, Sysco – Strawberry Agave Glazed Pork Belly
The semi-finalist chefs will face-off for public voting on the Chef Invitational website to win the People’s Choice award. The website features photography and video of the 9 chef finalists’ recipes which have been re-created by cookbook author and social media influencer, Marie Reginato. The winner of the People’s Choice award will automatically progress to the final in-person round of the competition and take home a $500 cash prize, accompanied by a matching grant to their selected non-profit organization.
“The goal of the Chef Invitational has always been building upon existing and new relationships with key members of the foodservice and retail industries,” said Tom Smith, director of sales at California Giant Berry Farms. “We also look to recognize the work of accomplished chefs that create innovative recipes every day—and with the return of in-person dining and events—we’re thrilled to provide foodservice, an industry that has suffered greatly due to the pandemic, a platform in which it can highlight its talent.”
Both the People’s Choice and 4 additional chef finalists will attend an in-person 3-day finale event in Monterey, CA, August 29 – 31st. This event will include field tours of California Giant berry fields, meet-and-greets with growers and a grand finale—at which the Top Chef will be named—all emceed by Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Foods.
“Culinary innovation is what drives the berry business forward, which is why I always pay special attention to what’s happening at the California Giant Berry Farms Chef Invitational,” said Michael Muzyk. “Every year, top chefs show us creative new ways to incorporate fresh berries into amazing dishes. I’m honored to be an emcee at this event and cannot wait to see what wonderful berry-inspired plates these chefs have come up with.”
The online voting will run now through August 5th to allow ample time for members of the trade, as well as consumers to vote for their favorite dish and determine who will be named the People’s Choice winner. The ultimate Top Chef winner will receive $1,000 cash prize and a matching grant to their selected non-profit organization. The Top Chef will be a brand ambassador for California Giant throughout the 2022-2023 year.
To learn more about the California Giant Chef Invitational and to vote for the People’s Choice Finalist, visit: https://promos.calgiant.com/chef-invitational-2022
About California Giant Berry Farms
California Giant Berry Farms started small. Formed out of a passion for top-quality strawberries and the optimal growing conditions of the Pajaro Valley, three lifelong friends teamed-up with a simple mission in mind – provide only the finest strawberries and give back to the community that raised them. Nearly 40 years later, California Giant has grown into a global family of people passionate about delivering the best strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. Quality, consistency and community inspire the mission and values that continue to sustain us. Because the bigger the smile, the better.
