St. Joseph the Worker Team Beats St. Mark's

Underdog ends St. Mark's undefeated streak

The third annual Iron-Chef Williamsport competition to support Family Promise took place on Sunday evening, March 27, 2011, before a live crowd of more than a hundred supporters.  In a stunning upset, the team from St. Joseph the Worker narrowly defeated the two-time champion team from St. Mark's.

The winning team of Father David Bechtel, Ann McDermott and Bonnie Mahoney prepared marinated flank steak, mashed turnips, creamed collard greens and dessert (aptly named Joseph's Dessert) which won the judge's favor by the score of 205 to 203.

St. Mark's team, led by Pastor Elkin, included Bernadette Jones and Jackie Kinney.  They prepared beet salad with toasted pine nuts and endive, grilled stuffed flank steak, parsnip pancakes with caramelized onions and sour cream, and loopy razzkivers, a dessert created with, among other things Fruit Loops.

Area chefs judged the teams on taste, presentation, and originality. This year's judges were Kevin Nash, of 33 East; Peter Zerb, of Bucknell University; and Chris Grove, of the Williamsport Country Club.

Nicole Walz, of the country club, and Mike Ditchfield, of LeJeune Chef, refereed the event, while KISS-FM Radio personality and St. Mark's member Gary Chrisman emceed. 

The competition was all in good fun.  Of course, the main purpose was to support Family Promise.  The cause was supported by the $25 admission charge, as well as funds donated by patrons.  Also, the youth waiters received "tips" which were related to the quality of their service, all of which were donated to Family Promise.  A total of more than $6000 was raised.

The competition will be rebroadcast on the Internet at www.ustream.tv/recorded/13614002.