Chefs Compete in Annual Several Men Who Can Cook Competition

OTTUMWA – The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra put on the 13th Annual Several Men Who Can Cook competition on August 3. 16 local chefs competed to raise money for the orchestra. Dishes served include: 

Ashley Abongwa: Carrot and Plantain Fried Rice

Wilbert Boudreaux: Louisiana Style Pecan Candy

Ellis Codjoe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Jose Espinoza: Birria Tacos

Taylor Grimm: Pork Carnitas

TJ Harris: Beef Braciole

Derek Hedgecock: Shipwreck Sandwich

Austin Jones: Cauliflower Soup

Randall Lien: Dutch Oven Reuben

Nate Miller: Chicken Tikka Masala

Alex Morley: Taco Chili

Eric Morley Better Crunch Wrap

Brian Quinn: Ratatouille Soup

John Richards: Fresh-Made Funnel Cakes

Thomas Roberson: Peach Cobbler Panna Cotta

Shizu Zhou: Sushi

In the Pre-Dining category, Austin Jones placed first, followed by Brian Quinn in second and Shizu Zhou in third. In the Entrée category, Nate Miller placed first, followed by TJ Harris in second and Ellis Codjoe in third. In dessert, John Richards placed first, followed by Thomas Roberson in second and Wilbert Boudreaux in third. In the People’s Choice category, voted by attendees, Austin Jones placed first, followed by Jose Espinosa in second and Nate Miller in third.

Miller served Chicken Tikka Masala, spiced chicken thighs slow cooked in a tomato and cream sauce served over Indian basmati rice. “It’s actually the national dish of the United Kingdom,” said Miller. “Most people think it’s an Indian food. It’s not, it’s actually just heavily inspired by Indian cuisine...This is my third (competition). It’s a lot of work. It’s fun though. I mean, it’s kinda exciting to be here and know that a bunch of different people are gonna get a chance to try your food. I enjoy that aspect...I’m just a hobbyist. I cook at home is all. I love to cook.”

Richards made funnel cake to order at his stand, which was decorated to resemble a state fair. “We are cooking fresh-made funnel cakes, just like you get at the fair,” said Richards. “This is our homage to the Iowa State Fair...This is the very first time we’ve made to order. If you look around, everybody’s already got stuff done. We’re doing it, as you come up here, they’re fresh when you hit the ground. It’s really a challenge, but I’ve got the best help in the world, my daughter and my granddaughter. Couldn’t ask for more...It’s payback time. I sang at the Iowa State Fair for years and I know that not everybody’s going to be able to go, especially since times are a little tough right now. So if they can’t go, they’re gonna have a funnel cake here with us.

Jones served his family’s cauliflower soup. “It’s my grandpa Clarence’s family recipe. I made it with him when I was a boy, so I’ve been carrying it on since then. Figured I’d share it with some other people,” said Jones.