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NYC AGING HOSTS FIRST EVER CITYWIDE PLANT-BASED COOK-OFF SHOWCASING CULINARY TALENT AND HEALTHY EATING
Event Highlights the Flavors, Creativity, and Nutritional Benefits of Plant-based Meals Served at Older Adult Center
NEW YORK, NY – Good food is good health, and chefs from older adult centers across the city proved that nutrient-dense meals can also be delicious. Yesterday at The Venue at City Harvest, the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) celebrated plant-based cuisine with its inaugural Plant-Based Cook-Off, where talented chefs showcased their skills, demonstrating that healthy eating can be flavorful and culturally aligned.
The competition featured nine culinary teams preparing plant-based dishes currently served at older adult centers within the NYC Aging provider network. A panel of distinguished judges, including acclaimed chef and restaurateur Alain Allegretti, hospitality industry leader Tren’ness Woods-Black, and award-winning vegan chef and author Priyanka Naik, brought their expertise to evaluate the dishes. The event was attended by over one hundred invited guests who had the opportunity to sample dishes and engage with contestants.
“The Cook-Off proved that plant-based food in addition to being nutritious, is also flavorful and appetizing. New York City is re-imagining nutrition for older adults, showing that plant-based meals can be just as bold, diverse, and satisfying as any other cuisine,” said NYC Department for the Aging Commissioner Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez. “A good nutrient rich meal can make the plate dance. Great food and good health go hand in hand, and this competition set the bar for what’s possible.”
“City Harvest was honored to host the inaugural Plant-Based Cook-Off at The Venue,” said Rosanna Robbins, Vice President of Programs at City Harvest. “At City Harvest, we know that access to fresh, nutritious, food is critical to making healthy choices in the kitchen. This event proved that healthy cooking can be fun, engaging, and delicious, and will hopefully inspire others to think creatively and incorporate healthier, plant-based alternatives into their diets.”
This year’s winners are:
- 1st Place- Chef Mark Johnson from Fort Greene Council Inc, Dish: Plant-Based Jamaican Oxtail Stew
- 2nd Place- Chef Evelyn Garcia from Center at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, Habichuelas Guisadas- Dish: Stewed Beans with Brown Rice and Barley
- 3rd Place- Chef Damien Johnson from Henry Street Settlement OAC, Dish: Cuban Vegan Picadillo with Brown Rice
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About NYC Aging:
The NYC Department for the Aging’s (NYC Aging) mission is to eliminate ageism and empower older adults to live independently in their communities. NYC Aging provides vital programs and resources to nearly 1.8 million older New Yorkers, fostering their physical and mental well-being.