Sterling Glen chefs win culinary prize

Dispelling any public misconceptions about the quality of food in senior residences, four chefs from Sterling Glen Senior Living beat the stiff competition and walked away with second prize from the judges and innumerable kudos from the guests at the Evening of Good Taste charity culinary competition, held recently at the Crest Hollow Country Club.
More than 100 of Long Island’s top restaurants and caterers competed in the event, but it was the first time that chefs from a senior living community participated. “It was a blind tasting, so the judges didn’t know who prepared what dish,” explained Joe Geiser, corporate director of food and beverage for Sterling Glen. “They were more than surprised when they found out our chefs prepare food for seniors.” Sterling Glen’s winning entry was an appetizer: Long Island Duck Confit Salad, consisting of duck with caramelized Anjou pears, dried cranberry, caramelized pecans and crumbled Stilton cheese, tossed in a white truffle vinaigrette. The team also prepared an entr’ee: Savory Maryland Lump Crab Cheesecake, which was a clear crowd-pleaser. The Sterling Glen chefs who participated were (left to right): Chris McClave of Sterling Glen of Forest Hills; Anthony Palmieri of Sterling Glen of Plainview; Joe Geiser; Mike Sarsfield of Sterling Glen of Bay Shore; and Jeff Bellofatto of Sterling Glen of Great Neck.