From July 27th to August 3rd, 2019, App Food Works in partnership with Centre Markets revamped The Golden Basket Cooking competition in a new way. For the first time this year, four qualifiers took place at each of four Centre County Farmers Markets. The winner of each market qualifier competed in a "Chopped"-style cooking competition on August 3rd in Downtown State College to benefit App Food Works for the right to be this year's Golden Basket Champion.

The four chefs who advanced to The Golden Basket Finals are, from left to right (with their market qualifier): Shane Orndorf, Shy Bear Brewing (Boalsburg Farmers Market), Harrison Schailey, Harrison's Wine Grill & Catering (Pine Grove Mills Farmers Market), Flavia Barger, Brazilian Munchies (North Atherton Farmers Market), and Bill McPartland, ReFarm Cafe (Downtown State College Farmers Market). 

The competition was similar to the format of the TV show Chopped, with each chef being presented a cooler with six "mystery" ingredients sourced from local farms and food vendors.  They were tasked with preparing these ingredients, along with communal pantry items, into two dishes: a starter course and an entree course.  ​Chefs had 40 minutes total, with the starter course needing to be plated at the 20 minute mark.

The dishes were judged on four criteria: taste, presentation, creativity, and use of local ingredients. Our celebrity judging panel consisted of local chef Mark Johnson, editor in charge of Provisions Magazine Maggie Anderson, and State College resident, Kansas City BBQ Society member/judge, and former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Bill Asbury.

After deliberating over a very close competition, the judges determined the winner...

... Bill McPartland of ReFarm Cafe!!!

Attendees were also treated to beer from Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks, 

kombucha from Mount NitaNee Kombucha, 

popcorn from Revival Kitchen, 

pretzels from Gemelli Bakers, 

dishes prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms by Spats at the Grill, Webster's Bookstore Cafe, & Federal Taphouse,

a cooking demonstration from Happy Valley Chef,

and live music from local, up and coming artists Matthew Jacobs, Bill Ryan, and the Donny Burns Duo, courtesy of The Band Junkies.

Special thank yous go out to Rising Spring Meat Co. for donating the steak to the competition, 

Photo courtesy of Karen Addenbrook

Katie Dawes of Kitchen Kaboodle for outfitting the competition,  and Zach Lorber of the State High Culinary Program for providing necessary equipment.

It was a great day full of smiling faces and delicious food. We can't wait for next year!

All photographs except when otherwise indicated courtesy of Lori Wilson 

Check out Golden Basket previews leading up to the event in the local press:

Provisions Magazine - Going for Golden
WPSU - Golden Basket Competition Brings Attention To Local Chefs And Farmers
StateCollege.com - Chefs Will Compete for Golden Basket, Showcase Local Food
WJAC-TV - Golden Basket Chef competition is back, and focused on helping local farmers
Centre Daily Times - ‘It’s community building.’ How the Golden Basket competition helps local economy