WORCESTER—Amanda Seidler, a seasoned senior in culinary arts at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School (BPVTHS), was elated when she and her classmates clinched second place in the People’s Choice Savory category during last year’s Fork It Over culinary competition.
Their delectable creation, savory sautéed chicken and sweet coconut rice, stood out among 13 other tantalizing dishes crafted by some of Worcester’s finest chefs and caterers at the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts’ annual fundraising event.
Seidler returns with a fresh team of aspiring chefs, eager to vie for victory again.
But Chef Marcie Wood, culinary arts teacher at Bay Path, said in the announcement that winning is secondary to the skills students hone while participating.
“The chance to work together, collaborating on two distinct dishes with nine different palates is its own sort of education,” she said in a statement. “We always have great discussions on the offerings of the other competitors and always leave inspired for new dishes.”
This year, Seidler and the team are going to the sweet side and are preparing graham cracker crepe with chocolate mousse and toasted marshmallow glaze. The other team of BPVTHS students at this year’s event is making a savory dish – coconut shrimp and spicy peanut chicken skewers.
The public is invited to taste these and all the entries from eight other chefs on May 9, 2024 at Top of the Tower, 446 Main St., Worcester.
“Welcoming student participation at Fork It Over is consistent with the Girl Scout mission. Learning, creating, courageously throwing your student chef hat in the ring with professionals, what wonderful access for these young entrepreneurs”, said Theresa Lynn, GSCWM CEO, in the announcement.
Chefs participating in this year’s Fork It Over event include those from Bri’s Sweet Treats, The Burgah Bar, Figsfood Portuguese Cuisine, Hilltop Restaurant at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School, Little Havana, Mozelle’s Sweet Shoppe, Pastry Chef Medina, Simply Delicious Catering, and Unique Café.
The panel of judges who will determine the winners in both “Sweet” and “Savory” categories are Barbara Houle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette; Attorney Rubby Wuabu, policy and cabinet affairs liaison for Governor Maura Healey; Natalie Rodriguez, CEO of To Life Enterprises and talented chef; Patrick Baliva, executive sales director at Saint-Gobain; Dr. Marlina Duncan, vice chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at UMass Chan Medical School; and Erin Saviano, community relations manager at The Hanover Insurance Group. Attendees get to cast their votes for a People’s Choice” favorite.
The event runs from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and are available here or by calling 508-365-0115. All proceeds benefit Girl Scouts and their continuing efforts to provide innovative programs and vital support to girls in grades K-12 throughout central and western Massachusetts.
Send your news to Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
