The Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, by BBL Hospitality, took home the top honors Sunday evening voted as the People’s Choice award winner at the Eddy Visiting Nurse Association’s (Eddy VNA) “Cuisine Magic 2016” culinary competition and grand tasting held at the Albany Marriott.
Hilton Garden Inn – Troy Executive Chef Geri-Ann Mastromarino was presented “The Pride of Americana” award after earning the most overall votes from the crowd of 400 guests who turned out for the 23rd annual event. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Home Health Aide Career Ladder Program and specialty training for aides at Eddy VNA.
Congressman Paul Tonko served as honorary chair of the event, with Liz Bishop, news anchor of WRGB CBS6 News, serving as mistress of ceremonies. Awards were presented as follows:
Best Appetizer:
1st Place – “Statue of Liberty Award”
Hilton Garden Inn, Troy – Executive Chef Geri-Ann Mastromarino “Blueberry and Brie Grilled Cheese”
2nd Place – “Mystic Seaport Award”
Albany Marriott – Executive Chef Nathan Kutzscher (Tie) “Bacon Wrapped Mac and Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf with Sriracha Ketchup”
B-rads Bistro – Chef Brad Stevens (Tie) “New England Style Lobster Roll”
3rd Place – “Texas Alamo Award”
Saratoga Marriott – Executive Chef Thomas Gulbrandsen Smoked Pulled Pork Tarlet Memphis Injection, Candied Jalapeno, Cornbread, Pickled Red Onion”
Best Entree:
1st Place – “Statue of Liberty Award”
Saratoga Marriott – Executive Chef Thomas Gulbrandsen “Open Pit Beef Ribs with Burnt Ends Mac and Cheese, and Okra Slaw”
2nd Place – “Mystic Seaport Award”
B-rads Bistro – Chef Brad Stevens “Braised Beef Short Rib Meatloaf and BBQ Pork Bell Mac and Cheese”
3rd Place – “Texas Alamo Award”
Hilton Garden Inn, Troy – Executive Chef Geri-Ann Mastromarino
“Mini Lobster Pot Pie”
Chefs and restaurants participating included: Chef Eric Bolton, The Century House, Latham; Chef Steven Gatzen, FLIK Lifestyles; Executive Chef Thomas Gulbrandsen, Saratoga Marriott Courtyard & Excelsior Springs, Saratoga Springs; Executive Chef Nathan Kutzscher, Albany Marriott, Albany; Executive Chef Carmelo LoPorto, LoPorto’s Ristorante Caffé, Troy; Executive Chef Geri-Ann Mastromarino, Hilton Garden Inn, Troy, by BBL Hospitality; and Chef Brad Stevens, B-rads Bistro & Catering, Troy.