By Dylan Marsh
EAGLE TIMES STAFF
CLAREMONT- Three Claremont chefs put bragging rights on the line in a ‘Chopped’-style competition at Arrowhead this weekend. The Claremont Opera House, in conjunction with the Claremont Soup Kitchen, held their second annual Grilling For Good event. The fundraiser took place on Saturday, July 16, 2022, and benefited both organizations.
The groups were able to sell 94 tickets to the public, as well as selling hot dogs and sausages donated by North Country Smokehouse.
“It’s all about the city’s love of food and music. We also feel lucky to be bringing the community together. It’s also really great to get to do it as a fundraiser,” said Felicia Byrch Dalke, COH Board of Directors President.
The Master of Ceremonies for the event was Claremont’s Spice & Dry Goods owner Chiara Tolsi-Nelson. Tolsi-Nelson, a charming ball of energy, interviewed chefs as they cooked and checked in with the judges, all while making jokes in the heat. She is no stranger to these types of shows though as watching ‘Chopped’ on the Food Network was instrumental in helping her to learn english. Tolsi-Nelson is Italian and speaks English as her second language.
“At the beginning stages Felicia had asked for input about doing a concert and ‘Chopped’ style show. Ted Allen is like my idol. I learned English by watching reality shows without subtitles. I said if you do I would love the chance to MC it and she took me up on it. It’s every Italian’s secret dream to be able to talk about food in front of a crowd,” Tosli-Nelson said.
Contenders Dana McGrath, Elliot Hale, and Jason Benware faced off in competition that featured two rounds; appetizer and entree. The meals were reviewed by featured judges Chef Michele Dionne, who will be operating a restaurant slated to open in Claremont in September, Chef Sarah Kainu, “Chef K” is an instructor with the Sugar River Valley Technical Center, and Momo, operator of Sweet Fire BBQ in Claremont.
While standing in the heat, the three chefs faced off in the appetizer portion of the competition. Unfortunately, due to a potato snafu, McGrath was cut from the competition. This left Benware and Hale to face off head to head in front of the estimated crowd of 160 people, including volunteers.
“I came with my family last year and watched. So this year I really wanted to compete. I don’t know if I’m ready for something like the actual ‘Chopped’ but it was really fun and it was for a good cause,” said McGrath, host of CCTV’s Community Of Fare which has featured local chefs like Tolsi-Nelson and Benware.
Ultimately the competition portion would come down to time management and Hale taking the championship home. He cited Benware being the more creative chef as the reason he may have not gotten to do what he wanted within the time constraints.
“I’ve been dying to do a cooking competition. I always watch the cooking competitions on tv. I love to cook, compete and help out local causes. Given the opportunity I’d love to continue doing this event, as long as I’m the champion I’d love to come back and keep defending my crown,” said Hale.
The competition also featured a backdrop of beloved classic rock and blues covers by the Jay Doucette Band. Doucette, guitar player and lead singer of the band, is featured in the Boston Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and has played with legends such as Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, and opened for James Brown.
Brych-Dalke along with Claremont Soup Kitchen Director Lindsey Moore have stated they intend to continue the event annually and love any opportunity to bring the community together. Anyone interested in volunteering at the Claremont Soup Kitchen is invited to call (603) 543-3290.
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