FDNY Chefs Spice Up Rachael Ray Show In 5 Alarm Cookoff!

Firefighters from all Five Boroughs Showcase Culinary Skills

The Municipal Credit Union was a proud sponsor of the first ever Daily News FDNY 5 Alarm Cookoff. The competition pitted the best of the best from firehouses in each of the five boroughs, as winners of each of the borough competitions headed to the finals, where they were featured on the Rachael Ray show on November 13, 2009. While one would think that a cooking contest featuring firefighters would be strictly recipes that bring the heat, the best the FDNY had to offer was more five star chef than five alarm chili.

Jimmy Lowe of Rescue 3 won the Bronx competition with his fantastic Flank Steak Pinwheels with a Teriyaki Ginger Glaze. Steve Brunner of Ladder 36 and his wonderful Pan-Seared Scallop and Shrimp Asian Spring Rolls were victorious in the Manhattan competition. John Sierp of Ladder 169 won over the Brooklyn judges with his mouthwatering Pork Meatloaf with Pineapple Topping. Keith Young of Ladder 158 in Queens made it to the finals with his tasty Jumbo Shrimp a la Terry Diablo, named in honor of Firefighter Terry Farrell, who died on 9/11, and Sal DePaola of Engine 160 in Staten Island was headed to the finals behind his delicious Chipotle Jambalaya.

DePaola was named the winner of the 5 Alarm Cookoff, and Mike Rosano, Vice President of Security and Fraud at MCU, and guest judge of the Staten Island borough competition was not surprised. “I found the dish to be just the right balance of heat and flavor with all of its ingredients, no one ingredient overwhelmed another. I also found the dish to be very comforting.” Ken Currey, Vice President of Business Development at MCU, and guest judge of the Manhattan borough competition, had high praise for all of the competitors and their dishes. “ I was amazed by the culinary mastery and the diversity of all of the dishes I tried. All of the firefighters who participated in the Cookoff should be proud of their efforts.”

MCU is proud to help showcase the many different talents of the men and women who serve our city everyday. When asked about the event as a whole, MCU Marketing Manager Trisha Guy-Violenus was more than pleased to be a part of such a successful event. “I was fortunate to be at all the borough competitions, and the “Bravest” once again have shown me what it takes to be a firefighter. Just like in their everyday duties, they put their heart and soul into the dishes that they prepared, and this was shown in their dishes. I was very impressed in that all of the dishes had presentation, creativity, and were absolutely delicious! In my eye they were all winners.” MCU congratulates all of the participants of the Daily News FDNY 5 Alarm Cookoff!

Click on the links above for recipes of the winning dishes, compliments of the New York Daily News.