Chef Alex Martinez wins Matt’s Girl Scout Cookie trophy
Trefoil, Thin Mint and Tagalong Girl Scout Cookies became a platform for innovative, sophisticated desserts when eight chefs in the SoDel Concepts restaurant group vied for the Matt’s Girl Scout Cookie Cup trophy at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen in Ocean View March 4.
Alex Martinez of NorthEast Seafood Kitchen came in first for his Savannah Smiles lemon ice cream pie. Nino Mancari of Catch 54 in Fenwick Island won second place for his Tagalong chocolate-and-peanut butter layer cake, and Chris Parks of Lupo Italian Kitchen in Rehoboth Beach took third for his Samoa pine nut tart with whipped mascarpone.
The annual event not only engaged the chefs in some friendly competition, but also raised money. A dollar from each of the Girl Scout Cookie-inspired desserts sold at SoDel Concepts’ eight restaurants in February went to Girl Scout Troop 287. The grand total was $429. SoDel Concepts also bought 10 cases of cookies.
“For us, it’s about people, family, community and food,” said Scott Kammerer, president and CEO of SoDel Concepts, which also owns and operates Plate Catering and Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen, a food truck. “Hosting an event focused on delicious food, giving to an organization that supports local kids and creating a super fun night out is what we love to do.”
Judges included Bulldog, CJ and Coach from WOCM 98.1, local food writers Pam George and Bob Yesbek and Anna Foltz of Worcester County, the oldest active Girl Scout, who was assisted by Big Al Reno of 98.1. After the judging that evening, servings of the desserts were offered to the guests. Foltz and Girl Scouts Darby and Riley Klopp accepted the check for $429 from Lindsay Barry, controller for SoDel Concepts.
Bulldog, a judge each year for the event, donated the cup in honor of friend Matt Haley, founder of SoDel Concepts, who passed away in August 2014. Martinez, who was celebrated by his fellow chefs, will keep the shiny cup at NorthEast Seafood Kitchen until next year’s sweet competition.
“This is a talented bunch of chefs,” said Doug Ruley, corporate chef for SoDel Concepts. “To come out on top of this group is a real accomplishment. Matt would be so proud of Alex.” For more information, go to sodelconcepts.com.
