Results Are In! 12th Annual 25 Men Who Can Cook

The 12th Annual 25 Men Who Can Cook event proved once again to be a crowd favorite for attendees.

The Hobby and Professional Chef Divisions were judged for presentation, taste and originality by a judging team composed of former 25 Men winners Chris Hickie, Dar Fish, Jeremy Weller, and John Kearney. People’s Choice awards were determined by a vote of attendees.

***25 Men Who Can Cook – Year 12 – Official Results***

Hobby Chef Division
1st Place – Pre-dining – Brian Quinn – (Cuban Black Beans & Rice)
2nd Place – Pre-dining – Terry DeJong – (Bloody Mary Chile)
3rd Place – Pre-dining – Derek Hedgecock – (Hobnob Kebobs)

1st Place – Entrée – Nate Miller – (Hawaiian Inspired Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl)
2nd Place – Entrée – Alex Morley – (East Asian Pork Taco)
3rd Place – Entrée – Ellis Codjoe – (Brisket Tacos w/Corn Salsa)

1st Place – Dessert – John Richards – (S’Mollies)
2nd Place – Dessert – Taylor Grimm – (Chocolate Surprise Tarts)
3rd Place – Dessert – Corwin Williams – (Taste of Summer Lemon Tart)

Professional Chef Division
1st Place – Best Entry – Chef Jose Lopez – Cerro Grande Meat Market – (Surf & Turf Fajita)
2nd Place – Best Entry – Chef Dennis Wichhart – Bridge View Center – (Black Forest Gateau)
3rd Place – Best Entry – Chef Joey Sanders – Lucile’s Steaks & Spirits (Meaty Mozzarella Arancini)

People’s Choice Awards
1st Place – Hobby Division – Alex Morley – (East Asian Pork Taco)
2nd Place – Hobby Division – Nate Miller – (Hawaiian Inspired Ahi Tuna Poke Bowl)
3rd Place – Hobby Division – Derek Hedgecock – (Hobnob Kebobs)​​​

1st Place – Professional Division – Chef Jose Lopez – Cerro Grande Meat Market – (Surf & Turf Fajita)
2nd Place – Professional Division – Chef David Keasling – Godfrey’s Ale House – (Duck Poutine)
3rd Place – Professional Division – Chef Daniel Wichhart – Bridge View Center – (Black Forest Gateau)

​​A huge thanks to our event sponsors: South Ottumwa Savings Bank, Indian Hills Community College, Edward Jones, Professional Computer Solutions, and Richwell Carpet & Cabinet Center.

Silent Auction sponsors included Bridge View Center, Fareway Meat and Grocery, The Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra Guild, Dennis Willhoit & David Nino-Liu, Edd the Florist, and Cherielynn Westrich.

All profits from the event assist the Ottumwa Symphony Orchestra with the costs of presenting 6 concerts annually in Ottumwa. Thank you to everyone for coming out, and we’ll see you next year!!!