For Immediate Release
December 15, 2014

Leonardo Figueredo is Suffolk’s Top Chef in Battle For The Beach Culinary Competition.

Leonardo Figueredo won Suffolk County Community College’s Chopped-like culinary competition Battle for the Beach with a delectable baked airline chicken breast with natural au jus and butternut squash risotto seasoned with cream and fresh thyme.

Student contestants were presented with a mystery basket of ingredients – a whole chicken and butternut squash --  that they had  to turn into a mouth-watering dish. The competition is similar to the popular reality television show “Chopped” airing on the Food Network.

The judges -- five of Suffolk’s faculty chefs and Suffolk County Community College President Dr. Shaun McKay-- evaluated each student’s creation on creativity, presentation and taste.

Huntington’s Victoria Shannon placed second with her roasted breast of chicken paired with roasted cauliflower, garlic mashed potatoes and butternut squash. Candice Weiss of Bayport placed third with baked chicken, roasted maple glazed butternut squash and asparagus spears.

Top Chef Leonardo Figueredo won a seven-night stay at the Sheraton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater, Fla., and an opportunity to work under the supervision of the resort’s executive chef.  The prize includes round-trip airfare and ground transportation.