The Consorta hospital network plans to hold a Battle of the Hospital Chefs competition at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on September 25

FM Staff

The Consorta hospital network plans to hold a Battle of the Hospital Chefs competition at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on Tuesday, September 25 as a benefit for the American Heart Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which will receive cash donations on behalf of the winning chef. In addition, Catholic Charities "Hearts for the Homeless" program will receive all the new cooking equipment used at the event. The Iron Chef-style event will pit three chefs from Consorta hospitals against each other with three Chicago area celebrity chefs doing the judging. The competing chefs were chosen in a nationwide search based on their creations of heart healthy, great tasting meals that are priced under $4.95 per serving. The finalists and their entries are Foodservice General Manager Mark Abbott of St. Mary’s Health Care System in Athens, GA (Grilled Honey Lime Grouper & Shrimp with Watermelon Salsa; Mediterranean Green Bean Melange with Caramelized Balsamic Onions; Garden Risotto Italia; and Cranberry Summerfresh Mint Tea), Executive Chef William Read of St. Mary’s Healthcare in Grand Rapids, MI (Macadamia Crusted Tilapia with Sweet Soy Reduction & Mint Sauce; Spicy Cucumber Slaw; Sesame Soba Noodle Salad; and Tofu-Berry Smoothie) and Executive Chef David Rensi of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI (Sesame Maple Salmon; Asian Vegetable Relish; Basmati Rice; and Iced Green Tea with Lemon Wedge). The judges will be Chef/Owner Ina Pinkney of Ina’s, Chef/Owner Jimmy Bannos of Heaven on Seven and Corporate Executive Chef Jesse Cobb of Nestle Foodservices Division, who is also president of the American Culinary Federation Chicago Chefs of Cuisine.