A touch of the Florida Keys came to Philadelphia on Monday night March 6th. The first-ever Philadelphia Florida Keys and Key West Food Influencer Cook-Off took over Walnut Hill College – 24 of the region’s top radio/TV personalities, chefs and food influencers got behind the stove and cooed off for a chance to win a five night six day vacation.
The sold-out event took over the entire building and had over 120 people in attendance.
Some notable names included Pat Croce, iHeart’s Nicole Michalik, Fox 29’s Alex Holley, WOGL’s Marilyn Russell, WMMR’s Marisa Magnatta, TV chef Roberta Pipito, Tony Luke and others. On top of the cooking portion, four bartenders competed in the cocktail competition from Vesper, Dim Sum House, Fine Palate and Whetstone Tavern. 
Guest were serenaded when they arrived
The setting was perfect for local celebrity and influencer cheftestant cook off as Walnut Hill College is a culinary school which
has full size industrial kitchens,
as well as dining areas for serving
Joe Maiellano and Sarah Maiellano, Thrillist, Emily Tharp, Her Philly and Caitlin McCullough, Restaurant School at Walnut Hill
Four bartenders from around the region and stirred up Keys-inspired cocktails including Kimberly Shurig – Fine Palate
Mother of the Dragon – Tequila and dragon fruit with a hint of habanero-infused simple syrup over fresh ice garnished with lime peel dragon fruit skin and cilantro. Here with Courtney Dow, owner of Fine Palate and Chef Vince Joseph
Ashley Serrate, NewmanPR and Carl Becker, executive VIP Walnut Hill College
Linda Vertlieb, Frugal Philly Mom
Paxton Reese and Alex Holley, both of Fox 29
LeAnne Lindsay, Tinsel and Tine (one of the best and consistent blogs with longevity) and Marisa Magnatta, WMMR
Alex Holley has a favorite apron
Barry Johnson and Cheftestant Ernest Owens, Philly Mag
His pie was delicious, his snapper – hot and spicy
Seamus Banning, Vesper (winning bartender with his Black Pearl drink)
Maria Newman, Pat Croce, Andy Newman, Senior Vice President Newman PR and Jeff Sorg, CEO of Pat Croce & Company
Michelle Curtis – Whetstone Tavern
Papa’s Punch
In honor of Hemmingway’s fishing nickname, this is a refreshing rum punch with flavors of basil, strawberry and pineapple. Perfect for drinking after a long day in the Florida sun.
Reporter Jenny DeHuff wrote a humorous piece for her paper The Philly Voice
Steve McCann and Chris Balbi of PhillyGayCalendar won for the best Snapper – mango chutney tossed with coconut and jalapeño with a secret ginger kick.
Iris McCarthy, The Palate Princess
Aversa PR Reps Jamyra Perry and Karianna Simpkins
Judging was tough
Pat Croce, who judged the drink competition with the winner Seamus Banning, Vesper. Who created a drink called The Black Pearl. The Black Pearl
Eucalyptus, bitter citrus and spice affably dance with molasses in this dark rum cocktail, though its color remains as mysterious as The Black Pearl
Chef Bobby Smoky
Steve McCann and Chris Balbi of PhillyGayCalendar won for the best Snapper – mango chutney tossed with coconut and jalapeño with a secret ginger kick.
Colleen Kennedy of Souffle Bombay was the overall winner for both her Key Lime Pie and Snapper
Colleen’s Key Lime Pie
Links to other coverage
https://phillystylemag.com/photos-philadelphia-florida-keys-and-key-west-food-influencer-cook-off
http://www.metro.us/philadelphia/philadelphia-florida-keys-and-key-west-food-influencer-cook-off-photos/zsJqch—KlOVe3gPtQHOY/
