Five finalists put their culinary skills to the test in the Channel Your Inner Chef Contest at Chicago O’Hare International (ORD).
The event, created by HMSHost Corp. in partnership with the Chicago Department of Aviation, took place March 22 in ORD’s Terminal 3. The 30-minute cook-off required the contestants to make an original recipe from a selection of ingredients revealed to them at the start of the competition, as well as an item from the O’Hare Urban Garden in the terminal.
“This diverse group of Channel Your Inner Chef contestants performed outstandingly today, making for an entertaining event that helped celebrate the local flavor and culinary innovation found within the airport community,” says Jeff Yablun, chief commercial officer for Host. “Based on the success of last year’s inaugural event, HMSHost was excited to partner once again with the Chicago Department of Aviation to bring Channel Your Inner Chef back to Chicago travelers and showcase the innovation HMSHost has to offer.”
Sepi Naficy was declared the winner for her paella with prawns, andouille sausage, chicken, risotto, herbs and a blend of spices. She will have her dish featured on the menu of a Host-operated restaurant at ORD. Also as part of her winnings, Naficy will get round-trip airfare for two and a VIP experience for two to the James Beard Awards Gala at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.
“We were very pleased to host this exciting and unique event at O’Hare International Airport,” says Ginger S. Evans, commissioner for CDA. “Chicago is a world-class culinary destination, and this competition provides great entertainment for passengers traveling through our airport. I want to congratulate Sepi Naficy on taking top honors, as well as the other contestants who all demonstrate skill, creativity, attention to detail and great ability to perform under pressure during this cook-off competition.”
