THE TASTE OF VICTORY
BY MATT COHEN
The Giants offense and defense went toe-to-toe at MetLife Stadium last Monday night. Only it wasn't at practice or in a game, it was in the kitchen. There wasn't any actual prize, just the sweet taste of victory.
Defenders Prince Amukamara, Jay Bromley and Cullen Jenkins outcooked a trio of offensive lineman - Justin Pugh, Geoff Schwartz and Weston Richburg at the annual "Taste of the Giants" event held inside the Coaches Club at MetLife Stadium. Partnered with Stop & Shop, the event benefits Rock and Wrap it Up! which supports local hunger relief efforts in the community.
With several hundred guests in attendance, each team had forty minutes to prepare their best dish. The defense cooked a version of jerk chicken with Swiss chard, butternut squash endive and broken potatoes. The offense whipped up their own unique spin on chicken and waffles.
"I never knew Brussel sprouts were so hard to put together," Bromley said.
Added Richburg: "I've got the most delicate hands on the offensive line so you definitely want me plating."
The competition followed the format of the hit Food Network Show, Chopped. Halfway through, each team was presented with a set of mystery basket ingredients – milk chocolate, dark chocolate and roasted salted papeda seeds.
On hand to judge the competition was a star from Chopped, chef and Food Network personality Amanda Freitag. She was joined by former Giants David Diehl and Rich Seubert, as well as two cast members from the popular TLC show, Cake Boss, Mauro Castano and Joe Faugno.
"The presentation from the offense on the chicken and waffles was amazing," Freitag said. "The flavors on defense were out of control."
After the competition was over, the real fun began. Upstairs in the Chase Club, 16 local restaurants served food to the crowd, with all proceeds going to support Rock and Wrap it Up! Restaurants included Pampano, Oceana, Blue Water Grill, Carlo's Bakery and Schaller's Stube Sausage Bar.
Want more Giants LifeStyle? Click here
