Steve Dumas, the owner of Otto’s on the River and Aunt Gin’s Restaurant in Whitefield, took home the sixth annual Celebrity Chef Challenge Judge’s Choice award. Steve and his sister Heidi showed off their talents of blending flavors, pairing foods, and creating beautiful presentations.
On Sept. 8, three Maine chefs gathered to compete in Spectrum Generations’ sixth annual Celebrity Chef Challenge, an annual fundraiser in which chefs create an entree following Meals on Wheels guidelines.
Michelle Lizotte, executive chef at Rusty Lantern Markets; Steve Dumas from Otto’s on the River and Aunt Gin’s Restaurant; and Tim Lewis, executive chef at Parker Ridge, were this year’s competitors.
For the first time, the event was held at Spectrum Generations’ Cohen Community Center in Hallowell. Of the location change, Spectrum Generations President and CEO Gerry Queally said, “We were able to invite guests into our home and showcase all that we have to offer. The support we received from local businesses, friends, and neighbors is a true testament to the communities we serve.”
Each competing chef was challenged to create a winning dish using provided ingredients: boneless chicken thigh, a squash medley, onions, and peppers. All of the produce was donated from local sources: Merrymeeting Gleaners, Field of Greens farm in Albion, and Emery Farm in Wayne. The chefs were then required to follow Meals on Wheels guidelines but could use their own spices, techniques, and flair.
Lizotte was named the People’s Choice Award winner and the dish created by Steve Dumas was named the Judges’ Choice.
Judges this year were Chris Ellis, editor-in-chief of Edible Maine Magazine; Chris Toole, executive chef at The Highlands and two-time Celebrity Chef Challenge winner; and John McGough, HHS Region One Director.
Spectrum Generations serves approximately 40 percent of the Meals on Wheels delivered in Maine. The need for these home-delivered meals is growing and the Celebrity Chef Challenge helps raise funds that support the program. Donations can be made online at spectrumgenerations.org/donate.
