Get Fired Up
Macy’s Set to Name America’s Greatest Grilling Guru
All spring i Macy’s has h been on the hunt for the countr y’s ultimate grill ma s ter, and the search is almost over. On June 28 the winner of its nationwide search will be announced during the final Sizzle Showdown here in New York City.
In addition to the title of America’s Greatest Grilling Guru, the home cook with the most mouthwatering marinade or rub recipe will walk away with $10,000 and a trip to the 2015 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks®. The competition, as can be imagined, has been fierce.
Six finalist were selected on June 7 during a regional semi-final held in six cities across the country and judged by world-class culinary pros. If the first round of competition is any indicator, English says, expect the final showdown in NYC to be scorching hot.
“It’s definitely been heating up and we’ve narrowed it down to some of the best grill masters out there,” English says. I’m excited to see what they grill up next. I love seeing the creative juices flow and watching each contestant put their unique twist on their favorite dishes.”
English says it will take more than a twist to earn the title of America’s Greatest Grilling Guru, though. The winning dish will really have to be the thrill of the grill.
“In our industry,” English says, “you’re only as good as your last meal, so make it delicious. You’ve gotta give it your all and really wow me.”
Master chefs Johnny Iuzzini will ill join j i English li h f for the h fi final l round d of judging on June 28, and the award-winning pastry chef says he’s already saving room for Saturday.
“I can’t wait to taste their creations and crown the winner,” he says. “I know that the competition has been fierce and that the six winners of the regional semi finals fought hard to win the grilling title in their region and that they are super excited to show off their grilling skills once again in NYC.”
Unlike other cooking competitions, Iuzzini says that Macy’s cook off is all about encouragement not criticism. That being said, he expects the winning dish to be nothing short of spectacular.
“The competition is thick and you really have to stand out in every category to take the win — it has to be delicious first and foremost, creative, and plated in an attractive way,” he says. “As much as I am judging on flavor, technique, presentation, creativity etc, I am also getting a glimpse into this person’s life. Where they come from, what their flavor palates are etc.”
In addition to being outstanding chefs in their own right, all the judges for the America’s Greatest Grilling Guru competition are also members of Macy’s Culinary Council, a national culinary authority that comprises some of the nation’s leading culinary masters.
Macy’s launched its culinary council in 2003, hoping it would inspire the way its customers shop, cook and eat at home. MCC chefs h f pull ll double d bl d duty as b both h ambassadors and instructors, providing expert culinary advice and leading cooking demonstrations at Macy’s stores, as well as online at www.macys.com, with the aim of teaching customers how to cook and shop like master chefs.
“I think Macy’s really created something special with this program because it bridges the gap between professional chefs and home cooks,” Iuzzini s ays . “It gives them a way to learn directly from the amazing chefs on the council. We, the chefs, cover so much ground in the types of cuisines we specialize in, so there is so much available information. It is such an amazing resource for anyone who loves to cook.”
In the kitchen — or at the grill — when the student becomes the master, everybody wins; i h however, when h i it comes to the title of America’s Greatest Grilling Guru, there can really only be one. The winner of Macy’s all-americ an cook of f will be chosen live on Saturday June 28 at Macy’s Herald Square Plaza. Follow Macy’s Culinar y Council on twitter @culinarycouncil.