Sofia Karakasidou, chef-owner of the Kuzina by Sofia restaurant in Cherry Hill, received fourth-place honors at the 2012 Jersey Seafood Challenge on June 21 at Drumthwacket, the New Jersey Governor’s mansion in Princeton.
Coordinated by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, the New Jersey Restaurant Association and the American Culinary Federation, and hosted by Mary Pat Christie, wife of the NJ Governor, the competition decided who represents the State of New Jersey at the Great American Cook Off Competition in New Orleans on Aug. 11.
This is the second year in a row Ms. Karakasidou brought her seafood presentation to this competition. This year she prepared a Greek paella, inspired by the Greek island of Sifnos, using only New Jersey wild caught and sustainable seafood and Jersey Fresh local ingredients.
Demetrios Haronis, executive chef of Fin at the Tropicana Casino Hotel, Atlantic City, won the 2012 Jersey Seafood Challenge. Will Mooney of The Brothers Moon in Hopewell was first runner-up and second runner-up was Bradley Boyle of Salt Gastropub in Stanhope.
In addition to the 2012 Jersey Seafood Challenge, Ms. Karakasidou, along with a select group of six of the finest New Jersey chefs and their restaurants, catered the annual Drumthwacket Foundation Solstice Gala on June 20. Hosted by Governor Chris Christie and Mrs. Christie, the annual event benefits the Drumthwacket Foundation, an independent charitable organization that manages and operates the Historic Governor’s Mansion. Ms. Karakasidou served a selection of her signature Greek-inspired hors d’oeuvres and her popular pistachio baklava at the event.
“We were thrilled to be invited to participate in the Jersey Seafood Challenge with so many great chefs,” Ms. Karakasidou said. “To be invited to two events at the Governor’s mansion in one week was really an honor. This was a wonderful opportunity to introduce Greek cuisine to New Jersey and to provide high-quality Greek fare to people who already love Mediterranean dishes,” she added.
The dishes Ms. Karakasidou served at both events are available through July at her restaurant, Kuzina by Sofia.
For more information from Kuzina by Sofia in Cherry Hill call 856–429–1061 or go to www.kuzinabysofia.com.
