3rd CAB Iron Chef 2 competition kicks it up a notch

3rd Combat Aviation Brigade
Story by Sgt. William Begley

Date: 05.22.2014
Posted: 05.27.2014 13:47
News ID: 131207
3rd CAB Iron Chef 2 competition kicks it up a notch

HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. – The food service specialists of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade put their culinary skills to the test during the Iron Chef 2 competition on Hunter Army Airfield May 22.

The competition was the second in a series that is based on the popular television show that shares the name. 3rd CAB commander, Col. John D. Kline said it was a way to make training more interesting while having a little fun.

“The winner and second place finisher were really close in the first competition,” said Kline. “In fact the judges were split on who they thought was the winner and we had to go back and look at the food again. It was really close.”

For Iron Chef 2 some changes were instituted to make things more challenging for the competition. This time, instead of using the comfortable confines of the dining facility, the four teams would prepare their meals in containerized kitchens that had been set up at 3rd CAB headquarters.

A new secret ingredient was introduced, and each of the three dishes prepared — chicken, lamb, and a dessert soufflé — had to contain molasses.

The winning team of Spc. Paul Mascardo and Pfc. Cieddah Ewing, food service specialists with 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, said that they were happy to win, and glad the stress of the competition was over. Mascardo came in a close second in the last Iron Chef competition, and was paired just the day before with his new partner Ewing.

“I was seriously nervous,” said Mascardo. “My knees were shaking, I was glad to get it done.”

Ewing on the other hand, was confident.

“Once they reviewed how well we used the molasses in each dish, I knew we had it in the bag,” said Ewing.

One of the judges, 2nd Lt. Eric Bowen, adjutant, 3rd CAB, said he really enjoyed being a food judge for the event.

“They never told me when I joined the Army that one day I would get to be an Iron Chef judge,” said Bowen. “It was excellent, I had a great time.”

The winning team from this competition will be given the chance to compete head to head against the winner of Iron Chef 1 for the title of overall Marne Air Iron Chef.