January 10 was like a dream come true for me. I totally understand that it’s all about having fun, and to be honest, I didn’t expect to win. I just love to make people smile with food and I want them to enjoy their company together. I love this event so much because of the fun my crew and I get to have.
My mom and dad were able to attend this year. My dad works in New York and travels quite a bit. It also happened to be his birthday…so to have them there was really emotional for me. At that point I was already a winner just having them there to support me. But when Mr. Robson made the announcement that my team and I had won, it really was a dream come true. I hate to admit it but I did have a few tears of joy, especially when my mom made her way up to me and gave me a hug and a kiss. I didn’t want her to let go of me and I felt like a little boy again. My parents are such great people. I will never forget that exact moment for the rest of my life. I have never won a Chef’s competition before, and to win one against some really great chefs was amazing.
My mom and dad were my first influence with food. For all the hard work of FOH and BOH, it was them who won also. Heather and her team were like seasoned banquet staff. They are awesome employees. At our booth Sara helped me garnish, and helped to pour wine. Jody also poured wine, and both ladies looked amazing and did an amazing job. I also had Banquet Chef Ben, Jim and Jason by my side. Those guys never skipped a beat, not to mention the other cooks Kassondra and Shawn, and dishwashers behind the scenes helping with desserts and keeping plates and the kitchen clean. With all that going on we still had a restaurant running and they did great under the guidance of lead cook Dustin, and Trent. I couldn’t sleep last night because of my excitement of what we at Robson Ranch had accomplished. Ben Castro helped Mike Taylor pull off a great presentation without the presence of George Atwell. George is only one man but does the job of many. At the bar, Margaret was making some of the best cocktails I have ever had.
I thank all of you for your help. I am very proud and lucky to be a chef at Robson Ranch and to have such an amazing culinary team! Thanks for all the memories!