Two NCC Culinary Grads Win Top Prizes at PA "Taste of Elegance" Competition
By Myra Saturen
August 24, 2010
Two graduates of Northampton Community College's culinary arts program won the top prizes at Pennsylvania's 15th annual "Taste of Elegance" competition, held on August 23 at Northampton Community College's Hampton Winds Restaurant. Chef Michael Brenfleck (right), of the Savory Grille, in Macungie, captured first prize, and Chef Robert Iannaccone (below), of Brookside Country Club, in Macungie, took second prize. Ten outstanding chefs from throughout the Lehigh Valley vied for honors. The yearly competition is sponsored by the Pennsylvania Pork Producers Council and Leidy's.
In a separate competition for students, three new graduates of NCC's culinary arts program attained prizes. First prize went to Jonathan Glueck, second to Joshua Roman and third to Richelle Pinto.
Proceeds from ticket to the competition raised more than $2,000 for the Brian Ruth Scholarship Fund, which benefits a student in the culinary program. About 145 guests met the chefs, tasted their creations and enjoyed appetizers prepared by NCC culinary students.
Each contest participant creates a menu. Chef Brenfleck's menu included spicy rubbed pork loin, 
braised pork shank grits, smoked bacon collard greens, and whole grain mustard pork au jus. Chef Iannaccone's menu featured fennel-dusted Berskshire pork loin, smoked tomato and truffle glace, pancetta poached asparagus, and trotter risotto.
Taught by graduates of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), students in NCC's culinary arts program learn to prepare and serve food to standards established by the CIA and Johnson and Wales, but at a fraction of the cost. Students gain experience preparing gourmet meals at the popular Hampton Winds Restaurant. Many go on to open their own restaurants or catering businesses or to work in fine dining establishments locally and in other areas of the country.