Pottstown “Chopped” Culinary Competition Winners Create New Sandwich For Local Eatery

Left to right Sheila Dugan, Gene “Grumpy” Dugan, Isaiah Robinson (winner), Adrianna Douglas and Ronni Yerk . Isaiah Robinson and Keelan Warren were the winners. Keelan Warren was not available for the photograph.

Chef Jackie Mathais , Isaiah Robinson, Ronnie Yerk and Adrianna Douglas.

Mixing the ingredients!

The last touch – CHIPS – what else!

The Trojan BBQ sandwich in all its glory.

On March 17th, 11 Culinary Art Students were asked to create the next Grumpy PHS Sandwich – The Chopped Challenge II began.

The secret ingredients, which all needed to be used and were judged upon were: Goat Cheese, Cherry Preserves, Potato Chips & Pork.

The students were judged by Superintendent Jeff Sparagano, Principle Jeff Hartman & Grumpy himself.

The categories were, presentation, taste, use of all ingredients. They were also watched in the kitchen – and teamwork was a must!

The winners, though every one did a great job – were Keelan Warren & Isaiah Robinson.

Their sandwich – “THE TROJAN BBQ”.

The kids did a great job and having some real life experience is an awesome way to learn. The kids were a little stunned when we met them and told them that Grumpy’s has one oven, no fryer and is for the most part a one man show – Thursday, May 15th, they saw exactly how it works! The kids all received a t-shirt with the Chopped Challenge on the back, the year and Trojan BBQ – to remember the moment. As the winners, Keelan & Isaiah were also given a bag of culinary goodies including cook books, tools of the trade and $50 each.

Keelan had the pleasure of working with Grumpy two summers ago, he obviously learned what Grumpy’s tastes are and his expectations, because despite the blind taste test, HE was the winner!

Chef Jackie Mathais is an excellent asset to the school as well, helping these students understand the process of great creations in the kitchen!

Last year was the first year of the competition. Grumpy wanted to show support of the Culinary Arts Program in the schools and for every sandwich sold, he will donate $2 back to the program. Last year, close to $200 was donated from sandwich sales. The teachers use the funds to help the students be able to afford uniforms and such that are hard to do sometimes due to economics.

Grumpy’s is engaging the students with real life experiences and the reality that the TV shows are not always what it’s truly like to work in the kitchen. The Trojan BBQ sandwich will remain on Grumpy’s menu for the next year.

Grumpy’s is located at 137 E High St., Pottstown, PA 19464. Phone: 610-323-1232.