Officers Cook at 12th Annual Cast Iron Chef

On October 8, NYIT de Seversky Mansion opened its doors to law enforcement officers from the Nassau, Suffolk, Brookville, Old Westbury, and New York City (NYPD) police departments for the 12th Annual Cast Iron Chef cooking competition.

Modeled after the popular television shows Chopped and Iron Chef, the cook-off is held in appreciation for the police departments that serve New York Tech’s Long Island and New York City campuses.

After a bagpipe performance from the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band, Robert Rizzuto, dining services director for both NYIT de Seversky Mansion and New York Tech, and President Jerry Balentine, D.O., welcomed guests to the exciting event.

“I want to thank all the police departments who are here; thank all of you for what you do and for being here today,” said President Balentine. “Good luck to all the contestants and have a good time!”

Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace Culinary and Deli Director Vincent Olivieri, who served as the evening’s emcee, then took to the microphone to announce the evening’s special ingredients. As is tradition, contestants aren’t told ahead of time what they will have to work with, truly putting their cooking skills to the test.

The five teams were challenged to create a dish using each ingredient in a mystery basket: red cabbage, Granny Smith apple, dried apricot, sweet Italian sausage, pork roast, and pierogis. Basic ingredients, like vegetables, dairy products, and spices, were also available.

Participants then assembled at their cooking stations and began chopping, dicing, and slicing for the 25-minute challenge period. Guests were captivated as they watched and cheered on their local teams, all while breathing in a delicious medley of scents as officers simmered, seared, and sautéed their dishes.

Leading the group of judges was Poll Restaurants co-owner Gillis Poll. Judging alongside him were Paumanok Vineyards co-founder Charles Massoud and former professional football player John Schmitt.

Judges based their scores on teamwork, food handling, timing, use of ingredients, presentation, creativity, and, of course, flavor. Third place was awarded to the Nassau County Police Department, while the NYPD received second place. In the end, the Suffolk County Police Department took home the first-place win.

Every team was a winner, though, as NYIT de Seversky Mansion made a $2,000 donation to each team’s charity of choice. The Suffolk County Police Department selected New York Tech alumna Eileen Shanahan’s (B.F.A. ’87) Warrior Ranch Foundation, the NYPD chose the Caitlin Rose McDonald Memorial Fund, the Old Westbury Police Department decided on the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, the Nassau County Police Department opted for the Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band, and the Brookville Police Department picked the Brookville Police Explorers.