A Tasty Tasting

At The Homesteads

By Nancy K. Crevier

Calling it “Newtown’s own version of The Iron Chef,” Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra introduced local chefs Angelo Marini of Sal e Pepe on South Main Street,  Wilson Sanchez of Tuscany’s in Bethel, Tom Diaoutis of Mona Lisa on South Main Street, and Homesteads head chef Hector Velez, all contestants in Homesteads Annual Food Tasting Competition, to a hungry group of judges and the invited public on Thursday, March 4, at The Homesteads Assisted Living facility on Mt Pleasant Road.

The participants were all required to feature the secret ingredient, chicken, in the entry, said Homesteads director Laura Shortt. Judges Dr Robert Grossman of Newtown, Captain Joe Rios of the Newtown Police Department, Scott Senette, vice president of Union Savings Bank in Danbury, and Paulo Azevedo, benefits counselor for veterans, served as judges.

Ms Llodra, emceeing the event, introduced each dish to the judges by name and description during the blind tasting. And while she promised there was no “home field advantage” to Chef Velez, when all votes were tallied, it was Chef Hector Velez of The Homesteads who walked away with first place in all three categories of taste, presentation, and creativity.

Chef Velez prepared a sautéed chicken breast on a puff pastry with sundried tomato and basil pesto sauces, and goat cheese, served on a bed of carrot puree. All four judges gave the colorful dish a thumbs up for its artful blend of flavors and textures.

“It’s great, I’m happy,” said Chef Velez, accepting his prize of an engraved Wusthof chef’s knife from Ms Llodra.

The event wrapped up with the opportunity for the public to sample the dishes prepared by the entrants, as well as the wines selected by the chefs to accompany the dishes.