Easton, MD – The Creative Clam Challenge took place on March 11, at the Sea Watch International booth at the International Boston Seafood Show.
Numerous creative recipes were submitted by the culinary students from across the country. After much deliberation, Sea Watch International’s research and development team chose the two the finalists to compete in the fifth Annual Creative Clam Challenge, Jesse Roberts and Hristina Misafiris.
“We really had a lot of sensational entries. Creativity was the key factor in picking the two finalists. It was not an easy choice said Guy Simmons, vice president of marketing & product development for Sea Watch International.
The Final Contestants!
Jesse Roberts from New Jersey
Jesse was selected as a finalist for the Creative Clam Challenge for his Clam Butternut Squash Spring Rolls with a Spicy Lime Ginger Dipping Sauce. Jesse Roberts was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. As a child, he was always encouraged, by his parents to try new and exotic ingredients. Growing up in Jersey City, NJ, an extremely diverse city, new spices and dishes were constantly introduced to him. As a result of his upbringing, the desire for the exotic and flavorful born.
At the age of 11, Jesse began creating full course meals for his family. In integrating local vegetables and outlandish spices to his choice of protein, he created one of a kind meals. In high school, Jesse was a member of FCCLA and competed in their annual culinary competition. At 16, Jesse began freelance catering, operating from out of his home. In taking full advantage of living 5 minutes outside of New York City, Jesse spent much of his profits from his small business at the five-star restaurants featured at the annual New York City restaurant week.
In September of 2011, Jesse enrolled in Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s in culinary arts and food service management. Jesse plans to study abroad in either Mexico or Greece. He is expected to graduate in the spring of 2015. After graduation, Jesse plans to travel to both Latin America and the Mediterranean to gain a deeper knowledge of the flavor profiles. He plans to take the knowledge that he learns in both regions to one day open his own fusion restaurant.
Hristina Misafiris from California
Hristina was selected as a finalist in the Sea Watch Creative Clam Challenge for her Clam Crepes with Sherry Cream Sauce. Hristina Misafiris was born and raised in Southern CA. Early in her childhood; she developed a passion for food. Hristina’s father would take the entire family out every Sunday to different restaurants. Hristina was encouraged to reach beyond the “Children’s Menu” and explore all cuisines. She loved it and became quite adventurous. By the age of ten, Hristina’s new found excitement for food led her to spend her weekends working at the family restaurant.
While studying pre-hospital care at UCLA after high school, Hristina held a job at an Italian restaurant as a line cook. This position re-ignited her passion for food. She researched many culinary schools all across the nation and decided she needed to attend The Culinary Institute of America. Hristina’s dream flourished during her first year at the CIA in Hyde Park, NY. She excelled and honed her skills as a chef alongside many of her new friends and colleagues.
After Hyde Park NY campus success, Hristina went on to complete her culinary externship at Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, CA. She is now attending The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena, CA and is expected to graduate this May 2012. Hristina’s goal and uncovered dream is to work with people that have special dietary needs and help develop creative and nutritious meals for them. Hristina is currently working on her first cookbook tentatively titled “Exploring the World of Heart Healthy Food.”
RESULTS
After hundreds of visitors at the Boston Seafood Show tasted both recipes and placed their votes for their favorite, the votes were tallied and Jesse Roberts won with his Clam Butternut Squash Spring Rolls with a Spicy Lime Ginger Dipping Sauce recipe. “I was very pleased at the balance both contestants were able to achieve which allowed the flavor of the clams to remain prominent, said Guy Simmons, vice president of marketing & product development for Sea Watch International. Jesse received $2,500.00 for his winning recipe and Hristina as the First Runner Up received $1,000.00 for her participation in the 5th Creative Clam Challenge.
About Sea Watch International
Sea Watch is located in Easton, Maryland and is recognized as the largest harvester and processor of clam products in the world. Over the past 34 years, Sea Watch has taken its place as the leader in offshore clamming. Sea Watch operates 26 of the most powerful and technologically advanced vessels to harvest clams which are processed in our 3 state-of-the art processing plants operating under approved FDA and HACCP plans. Our processing plants are located in Maryland, Delaware, and Massachusetts. Sea Watch offers an extensive line of frozen and canned clam products, which include; clam chowder, clam strips, clam nuggets, clam sauces, chopped clams, clam juice and clam concentrates. Sea Watch also offers value added seafood products such as crab cakes, calamari and shrimp, which are available for co-pack. For more information regarding Sea Watch International, contact Guy Simmons at 410-822-7500 or visit www.seawatch.com.
Source: Sea Watch International
