Attendees filled the Hamburg Area High School auditorium where sizzling could be heard and delicious smells drifted about the room on Sunday, Nov. 2. It was Hamburg’s fourth annual Iron Chef Competition benefiting Hamburg Area Education Foundation.
For the second year in a row, Chef Tim Twiford, of Prime Steak and Wine (Crowne Plaza Reading) with help from Chef Jason Hook, of h2o Kitchen, took home first place in the Iron Chef Competition.
“The winner of the 2014 Iron Chef Competition, back-to-back years, Tim Twiford,” said Shawn Fitzpatrick, Hamburg Area Middle School principal and one of the emcees for the afternoon.
“Thank you all for coming out. It’s great to see everyone. It’s great to win again,” said Chef Twiford. “You know it’s all about team work. Jason Hook and I, we go back probably 30 years and this guy, he’s traveled the world and we’ve been great friends. We’ve shared a lot of good and bad memories together. It’s really awesome and we are just such a great team together. It’s just awesome.”
It has become a tradition for Chef Twiford and Chef Hook to dedicate their wins in these types of competitions and this year it was no different. The two dedicated their 2014 win to Twiford’s wife’s brother who passed away tragically 11 years ago.
Chef Twiford and Chef Hook faced off against last year’s People’s Choice winner Chef Ron Liszcz of Stirling Guest Hotel and first runner-up Chef Paul Weitzel of Haag’s Hotel. The chefs had 35 minutes to prepare their dishes using the secret ingredients and a pantry full of other items. A salad was also required to go with each dish.
Minutes before the competition was set to begin, District Judge Kim Bagenstose revealed the secret ingredients that were so secret even she was not trusted with what they were and the ingredients were hid in separate locations throughout the building.
This year the chefs had to use Brussels sprouts, top round steak and ramen noodles in their creations.
“So 35 minutes. They have all the ingredients. They now know the secret ingredients. You tell me when we’re ready to start,” said Fitzpatrick.
Judges for the event were A. Joseph Antanavage, Judge Berks County Court of Common Pleas; Clarke Hammond, graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and instructor of Culinary Arts at Berks Career and Technology Center; George Zeppos, owner of The Hitching Post Restaurant & Bar in Leesport and Willoughby’s Bar & Grill in Wyomissing; and one lucky live auction winner who bid $570 to be the fourth judge.
Coming in second was Chef Paul Weitzel and coming in third was Chef Ron Liszcz. Before the winners were announced, the audience had a chance to bid on two plates from each chef.
“All six plates that were auctioned off tonight totaled $520,” said Shawn Gravish, Perry Elementary Center principal and one of the emcees for the afternoon. “Let’s give a round of applause for raising $520 for a great cause.”
Prior to the main competition another competition took place with restaurants competing to take part in the main event next year. This year’s People’s Choice winner was Adelphia Seafood with 150 votes and first runner-up was It’s Just BBQ with 108 votes. More than 515 votes were cast for this year’s People’s Choice which along with the winner and first runner-up featured Bernville Eagle Hotel, Bowers Hotel, Indian Fort Inn, Kempton Hotel, Pappy T’s Pub & Lounge, Schuylkill Country Club and Virginville Hotel. Adelphia Seafood and It’s Just BBQ will be back next year to take on Prime Steak and Wine for the Iron Chef title.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees were able to sample from the People’s Choice competitors, take part in raffles as well as the live auction and door prizes, sample food from more than 25 vendors, enjoy a musical performance and watch cooking demonstrations.
Emcees for the evening were Shawn Fitzpatrick and Shawn Gravish with special commentary from David Shefter, the Food Services director for the school district and chef and owner of Penn Werner Hotel who in the past has competed in Iron Chef.
“Thank you so much for coming out,” said Fitzpatrick. “Again we thank you for your support of our Hamburg Area Education Foundation. Save the date next Nov. 1. We’ll see you back here again next year. Thanks for coming out.”
Proceeds from the event benefit the Hamburg Area Education Foundation an independent, not-for-profit organization that helps provide education opportunities for students and adults in the Hamburg Area School District. Iron Chef Hamburg is held the first Sunday in November.
