Ocean Place Wins Long Branch Chef's Challenge

By Christopher Sheldon

Hungry diners descended upon Ocean Place Resort & Spa in Long Branch for the third annual Long Branch Chef's Challenge.

The venue hosting the event, was also the judge's choice for best dish on Thursday night.

Ocean Place Executive Chef Barry Walling's barnegat coast local swordfish topped with saffron aioli crostini and chimi chiri was the winning dish at the Greater Long Branch Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event.

The guests also got to pick their favorite dish and selected Second Floor head chef Sam Nativo's lobster macaroni and cheese.

Other participating restaurants included Sirena Ristorante, Rooney's Oceanfront Restaurant and Tuzzio's Italian Cuisine.

Tuzzio's owner Joe Tuzzio said he loves coming to competitions like the Chef's Challenge.

"It's a local event so you see your local customers and those who support you all year round," Tuzzio said.

Several local restaurants were also chosen as demonstrators and samplers for the evening including Cake Bake and Roll, Rook Coffee Roasters, Bite Your Belgian and Windmill.

Aaron Levine, of Windmill restaurants, is also on the board of directors of the chamber and said he always enjoys being a part of the Chef's Challenge.

"Everybody's done a great job helping put this together," Levine said. "It's been a lot of work to get all these chefs involved, but it makes for a great night."