Fire on the Rock Continues with March 9 and 10 Competitions

Story by Corinne Saunders

Chefs from Char and Jackalope’s View at Archer’s Inn will battle it out on Tuesday, March 9, and chefs from Sorrento’s Bistro and Hound Ears Club will compete on Wednesday, March 10, as the 5th annual Fire on the Rock Chef Challenge continues.

Seats are still available for Tuesday’s competition, but Wednesday is waiting list only, said Jimmy Crippen, owner of Crippen’s Country Inn & Restaurant.

Sorrento’s Bistro likely has the greatest challenge of any team, because they are pitted against last year’s winner, Hound Ears Club, Crippen said.
“Char Chef Nick Lewis is in his second round after beating Danny Bock of Canyons,” Crippen said. “This is [Jackalope’s View’s] first time here.”

Crippen’s, located at 239 Sunset Drive in Blowing Rock, hosts the preliminary competitions each Tuesday and Wednesday through the end of March, and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Each chef, along with two coworkers, must incorporate a secret ingredient into each of the three courses they prepare.

Reservations should be made now for the quarterfinal battles, which take place the last two weeks of March, Crippen said.

The cost of attending any night’s event is only $39 plus drinks, tax and tips, and includes a blind, six-course meal. Diners’ scores of each dish determine which team advances. Prior to the meal each competition evening, Crippen gives a quick lesson on food judging.

For more information and/or to make reservations for any competition night, click to www.fireontherock.com. For more information, call Crippen’s at 828-295-3487.

Get to Know the Chefs

March 9 Competition

Nick Lewis, grill cook, Char

Winner of the February 16 competition
Editor’s Note: Lewis was featured in our February 4 issue. To read his replies, click to www.highcountrypress.com/weekly/2010/02-11-10/second-round-of-fire-on-the-rock.htm.

Matt Franklin, executive chef, Jackalope’s View at Archer’s Inn

Have you competed in Fire on the Rock before?
“Nope, I’m a rookie.”

What are your thoughts on Fire on the Rock?
“I think it’s great for the local chefs and businesses. I’m excited about doing it myself. It’s really exciting to get some of my food and Jackalope’s food out to Blowing Rock, and hopefully it all goes well.”

How long have you been in the food and beverage business?
“A long time. I started bussing tables when I was 14, and now I’m 36.”

Who will your teammates be?
“Peter Perkins and I’m waiting on a definite for the third.”

March 10 Competition

Nicole Palazzo, executive chef, Sorrento’s Bistro

Have you competed in Fire on the Rock before?
“I have not.”

What are your thoughts on Fire on the Rock?
“I think it’s a great thing that they’re doing. I’m super excited Sorrento’s and I can be part of it. I’m the only female in the competition. I’m ready to take on all the guys.”

How long have you been in the food and beverage business?
“I’m 26. My family’s owned the restaurant 24 years [and] we’ve got restaurants in New Jersey. That’s what I’ve grown up doing.”

Who will your teammates be?
“Chris Scism and Anthony Palazzo, my brother.”

Dominic Geraghty, executive chef, Hound Ears Club

Have you competed in Fire on the Rock before?
“Yes.”

What were the results of that?
“I won last year.”

What are your thoughts on Fire on the Rock?
“It’s a great way to get to know the other chefs on a personal level and also to meet and greet with the general public. Don’t you want to know what I always keep in my refrigerator? Good English ale, sharp cheddar cheese and milk for my tea.”

How long have you been in the food and beverage business?
“About 36 years.”

Who will your teammates be?
“Michael Brown and Matt Barlowe.”