InternationalChef Ninamarie Bojekian wins Ultimate Chef Bergen County 2012
Published: Friday February 03, 2012
Bojekian with the trophy.
Paramus, N.J. - Four of Bergen County, New Jersey's best chefs square off in Chef Central's annual "TV-style" competition. This year, Chef Ninamarie Bojekian was asked to be a part of this exciting event, ultimately winning the top prize.
In October, Ninamarie, along with her Sous Chef, Jessica Marotta won the qualifying round and a Meatball Throwdown. The two created a three-course meal inspired by different regions of Italy within an hour. The judges voted for team Ooh La La to move forward to the semi-finals, while the crowd voted for Ooh La La's meatballs during the blind tasting portion of the competition.
The semi-finals took place on January 21. During this round of competition, both teams were asked to prepare a four-course meal using the "secret ingredient", Vanilla, for each dish. Bojekian's four-courses included Vanilla Waffles & Basil Ice Cream, topped with Bacon ‘sprinkles' and Brown Butter Lemon Maple Syrup--- Vanilla Rose Yogurt over Compress Honeydew & Cucumber with Ground Pistachio, Almond, Cilantro & Mint. Served with Herbs De Provence Tea from Paris with Honey & Vanilla Powder --- Seared Quail with Vanilla Celeriac Puree, Infused Lavender Tarragon Honey & Iced Green Chili Confit --- and Frozen Vanilla Semifreddo Affogato Style with Fried Vanilla Sugar Doughnuts.
After her successful win during the semi-finals, her and her team moved forward to the finals, which took place on January 28. This time, the secret ingredient was Jack Daniels. Chef Laurie Cera of Five Seasons Bistro in Ridgewood, NJ, was a tough competitor. Both sides put out very strong dishes and accolades were given for each course by the judges. Chef Bojekian's menu with a Southern Tennessee twist, included Grits & Pork Belly with Red Eye Gravy, Grapefruit Confit & JD Candied Pecans --- Smoked Trout topped with Apple Horseradish Crème & a JD Infused Broth --- Baked Baby Back Pork Ribs with a Caroline Style Mustard & JD BBQ Sauce, Blackberry Compote & Corn Bread--- and Caramelized Honey Jack Pears, Sour Cream Ice Cream, Crushed Hazelnut-Rosemary Meringue, JD Caramel & Hazelnut-Chocolate Ganache.
All events were open to the public with a strong audience presence throughout the three rounds Bojekian was a part of. Samples were given out to all as the judges discussed and deliberated. The event's MC was Chef Jim Edwards, the culinary director of Chef Central.
Chef Ninamarie Bojekian now holds the title of UCBC 2012 and will have a chance to defend her title next year in the finals. Ninamarie's name will be added to the plaque that stands proudly in Chef Central with her predecessors.
Ninamarie also recently competed on Bravo TV's hit cooking competition, Rocco's Dinner Party. The episode aired in July 2011. She went up against two Iron Chef competitors in episode 3, season 1, "Mangia, Mangia!". Please visit http://www.bravotv.com/roccos-dinner-party/season-1/mangia-mangia for more information, photos and videos.
For more information visit http://www.oohlalacateringco.com.
