Stirring Up Change In a Community Near You

Teen Battle Chef, is a program of FamilyCook Productions in over 75 schools and community sites across the U.S. Over half are sponsored in high schools by HealthCorps. This blog began in summer 2010 when FamilyCook invited NYC Teen Battle Chefs to participate in internships working with chefs in restaurants, teaching younger children cooking, growing food in food deserts, and cooking in farmers markets across 5 boroughs. In fall 2010, our program continues and thanks to Robin Quivers, her run in the NYC Marathon in November, will provide critical funding so our Teen Battle Chef programs in CT and in HealthCorps schools in NJ can experience these transformational internships as well.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Whole Foods Tribeca Battle

Once again, a great Whole Foods event! This time went a little smoother probably because I knew how it was supposed to be. We got our food out on time, we did a great presentation, and garnish went smoothly. My team and I worked extremely well together and I hope next week goes just as smoothly. TEAM RASPBERRY OWNS!! -Chef Joel

The event whole foods held today was spectacular. Both recipes turned out to be fantastic, both were pleasing to the eye and pallet. Judges from all over the city attended and the results turned out to be mostly even. Even though I'm pretty sure team raspberry had it! I wish more people had turned out but its ok because it all ended well -Chef Nate

Today's event was great. We got to stand up in front of judges and tell them about our dish. We made chard quesadillas. It was very nerve racking because we had to wait for results, my team won on presentation. -Chef Marielis

This event was fun and taught me alot. Our teamwork went great and our presentation ROCKED!! I'd love to do this again, anytime. : ) I want to give a shout out to my teammate Nate he is Great! -Chef Luetny

This food competition went very well, I was so nervous to the point that I didn't feel well. In the end I was proud of myself and my teammates. This experience opened my eyes about my future and because of Teen Battle Chef I have finally made my mind up about what I wast to go to college for. I have decided that I want to make cooking my profession. Thank you everyone at Family Cook and TBC -Chef Jessica

Today I was participating in a whole foods event where I got to present in front of restaurant owner and famous chef's. This was 100% awesome, hopefully the next event is even better!! -Chef Fernando











Sunday, October 17, 2010

Teen Battle Chef Whole Foods Show Down October 9th




Dr. Oz
 
Today was awesome!! My team (Raspberries) made this silky creamy butternut squash soup. I loved it and so did the judges. We got these wonderful prizes and i can't wait to put them to use. What really made my day was Dr. Oz saying "I'm proud of you" -Chef Janiel

 Today was the first of many Whole Food competitions this fall. It was so exciting meeting Dr. Oz and meeting the judges and presening in front of all those people. They were really encouraging and having my family and friends there made me feel a bit less nervous too. All the prep and pre-made food, pretending to cook, plating and presenting the food, it really felt like a real cooking show, like Emeril Live or something...I felt like Emeril!! It was all really enjoyable, and it turned out perfect. Oh, and winning the presentation part over Molly, my usual partner, (of all people!) felt good too lol. I wouldn't do it any other way and I can't wait for the others. -Chef Joel
This is my first time behind the counter working with the teams. This experience was really cool. I ws the MC for the first event and doing this is really nice. I like doing different things in the TBC program. The judges gave really nice feedback that I will take with me. I really can't wait to do this again. -Chef Kristie

Beautiful things happened today. I haven't been this close to food in a long time! I love Teen Battle Chef! Thank you so much for bringing more cooking into my life! "If all else fails...cook!" -Chef Matthew

This experience was nothing like I expected. The turnout of people was great, meeting Dr. Oz was cool and the judges were awesome. I was on Team Raspberry, we made the Butternut Squash soup and I think it came out amazing. I definitely look forward to participating at other Whole Food Events. -Chef Ayerine



Today was so much fun. I enjoyed meeting Dr. Oz and working together in a group with other people. I will most definitely make the Quesadilla at home. -Chef Fatimah








If I had one word to describe today I would have to say everyhing was perfect! AHHH how do I forget meeting Dr. Oz! So amazing working with my fellow TBC's to educate the people of our neighborhood. Overall I'm just really happy and today was a great day. -Chef Molly

Chef Michael Team Blueberry

Chef Andrea Team Blueberry

Sunday, October 3, 2010

PIG ISLAND

Yesterday, 10 Teen Battle Chefs (TBCs) from almost as many HealthCorps schools across NYC assisted NYC Chefs and restaurants for Pig Island (www.pigisland.com), organized by our friend and chef-owner Jimmy Carbonne @Jimmy's 43.  In addition,  the TBCs had their own table with The Sylvia Center to promote Robin Quivers running the NYC Marathon for our programs!  Please visit http://www.crowdrise.com/15 and donate so these great teens and others in Connecticut and New Jersey can continue to participate in Teen Battle Chef events and attend internships.  As interns in their communities, they practice skills, test out careers and try on roles that will impact their future and the future of those they teach and learn from. Read their blogs and see all the fun we had!!

Today I helped two chefs, the first one was about pig skin and lard and beans. Even though I couldn't eat it I enjoyed helping. The next one, Jenkpork, I enjoyed alot, I loved how they set up their food and talking to the people. Honestly I just loved it and it was great for me to come today. - Chef Lubna

Today was amazing! I was extremely busy because I worked in the busiest stand. I made tortillas with pa los santos restaurant located on union street between 4th and 5th ave. The employees were really nice and they let me use a cool tortilla presser. The smell of pork was amazing, definitely a good experience. -Chef Andrea


 Pig Island was an amazing experience, I enjoyed helping otu a chef at their booth. I tried a couple of dishes from other booths and got pretty full but they were really good. At our booth we made a  braised cabbage with apples which I liked. It was good to have something light to eat. I really liked being at governor's island again and I have a lot of fun at social events of these kind. - Chef Ayerine


Even though I couldn't eat any of the food I enjoyed cooking in the vegetarian section. It wa a blast and we raised $800 for our cause. -Chef Fatimah


Pig island was a fun day we got to help cook the pork for Jimmy 43 restaurant. There were alot of vendors with great food. My favorite food were the pork tacos they were amazing, its like pork heaven. We also raised alot of money for Teen Battle Chefs. -Chef Marielis


So today we went to governor's island for the pig island event. My friend Marielis and I helped out Jimmys 43. After we finished helping we walked around and tried the food and I gotta say this was the best food ever!!! - Chef Fernando


Today made me really take this cooking career seriously. I love that I got this opportunity to work aside a pro chef and he was very down to earth and I loved the jerked pork that he was serving. Everyone loved the dish. I never thought I would say this but I'm full lol. - Chef Michael