Macy’s Grilling Guru Competition hits Charlotte

Macy’s Great American Grilling Guru Competition stopped into Charlotte last week, and I had the opportunity to watch the gurus get their grill on, onstage at Macy’s in South Park.

HERE’S THE SCOOP:  The competition launched back in April, and contestants had until May 3rd to submit their recipes.  On June 7th, 18 semi-finalists competed in Sizzle Showdowns at six locations across the country, judged by Macy’s Culinary Council Chefs, including Cat Cora and Stephanie Izard.   The winner of each semi-final showdown gets to compete in the finale in New York City on June 28th, and the finale winner gets $10,000 plus a trip to New York City to watch the 2015 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks.  Awesome, right?

At the competition, I was shocked by the contestants’ calm demeanor onstage.  I expected a mad dash, but each contestant confidently worked through their recipes and finished early, submitting their final plates to Chef Cat Cora for judging.

The competing recipes were:

• Sherri’s Grilled Thai Lamb Loin Chops
• Josee’s Shrimp & Apricot Stuffed Grilled Pork Tenderloin
• Andre’s Steak & Potato Sliders with Basil Gorgonzola Cream

Sherri’s Thai Lamb Chops were the big winner– for the flavor and the overall cohesiveness of the dish (she actually prepared a 3-component plate).  The crowd didn’t get to try the contestant submissions, BUT we did get cookbooks featuring their recipes AND we sampled Cat Cora’s Chimichurri ‘Cued Chicken.

I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywherehas provided me with compensation for this post about Macy’s Culinary Council. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.