On Wednesday 7 October, the European Union’s More than European Food and Drinks, Savoring Stories campaign will bring a live food competition to the Vanderbilt Hall® at Grand Central Terminal in New York City.
From 1:00 to 5:00 PM, food creators Alexa Santos and Mishka Murphy will compete in three live culinary challenges using European cheeses, olive oils and chocolates. Hosted by cookbook author and food creator Dan Pelosi, the event will invite visitors to watch the competition, sample selected products and explore a European Marketplace featuring food and drinks from across the EU’s 27 Member States.
The contestants’ dishes will be assessed by a distinguished panel: Nadia Loddo, Counselor for Agriculture at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States; Chef Danny Garcia, winner of Top Chef Season 21; food creator and cookbook author Ilena Tovia; and Eater correspondent Matthew Kang.
Throughout the afternoon, specialist experts Joshua Santamaria, Isabella Cassell and Jacques Torres will lead tastings and share the stories behind European cheese, olive oil and chocolate.
The event will celebrate the quality, authenticity, diversity and versatility of European food and drinks—and the people, places and traditions that make every product more than an ingredient.
We are looking forward to welcome you! While the seated competition area is reserved for invited guests, you are welcome to watch the live competition, taste selected premium European products and take home a limited selection of goodies.
Participants at a glance
HOST
- Dan Pelosi @grossypelosi
Cookbook author and recipe developer behind GrossyPelosi; author of the bestselling Let’s Eat and Let’s Party; contributor to New York Times Cooking.
CONTESTANTS
- Alexa Santos @alexawhatsfordinner
Former TV news journalist turned food media professional and creator, known for engaging food content, unique recipes and approachable home cooking. - Mishka Murphy @mishkamakesfood
Former line cook turned recipe developer and food creator who shares home cooking, recipes and cooking tips with his online community.
JUDGES
- Nadia Loddo
Counselor for Agriculture at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States, where she works to bring European food, agriculture and culinary traditions closer to audiences across the U.S. - Danny Garcia @chef.dannygarcia
Brooklyn chef and winner of Top Chef Season 21, with experience at The NoMad, The French Laundry, Crown Shy, SAGA and Belon. - Ilena Tovia @mommailena
Food creator, cookbook author and media personality; former contestant on Next Level Chef. - Matthew Kang @mattatouille
Eater correspondent covering restaurants, dining, food culture and nightlife; previously lead editor for Eater Southern California/Southwest.
PRODUCT EXPERTS
- European Cheese: Joshua Santamaria
NYC career cheesemonger with experience at specialty food retailers including Foragers City Market and Lucy’s Whey; Cheesemonger Invitational finalist. - European Olive Oil: Isabella Cassell
NYC-based certified olive oil sommelier and creator of interactive tasting experiences through The Full. - European Chocolate: Jacques Torres
Award-winning French chocolatier, widely known as “Mr. Chocolate,” ; pastry chef and founder of Jacques Torres Chocolate in New York.
Practical information
Vanderbilt Hall®, Grand Central Terminal
