Release Date: ECPI University Director of Marketing - 757.490.9090
Contact: April 7, 2014
Student Team to Compete in “Crazy Good Meatball Challenge”
Virginia Beach, VA – ECPI University’s Culinary Institute of Virginia (CIV) will host two events this weekend in connection with “Top Chef” Mike Isabella’s visit to Hampton Roads.
On Friday, April 11 at 8:30 am, CIV student teams will compete in the “Kill the Skills” meatball competition. Winners will be sent to represent the school at the “Crazy Good Meatball Challenge” at the Mid-Atlantic Home and Garden Show on Sunday, April 13 at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The event will be hosted by Chef Isabella.
On Saturday, April 12, Chef Isabella will visit the Culinary Institute of Virginia Campus – located at 2428 Almeda Avenue in Norfolk – from 1:00 – 4:00 pm where he will congratulate the winning student team and conduct a lecture about using fresh local ingredients, flavor subtleties, and the importance of culinary imagination.
About Chef Mike Isabella
Mike Isabella is a Washington, DC-based chef and restaurateur, owner of the Italian-inspired small plates restaurant, Graffiato, the northern Greek concept Kapnos, and Italian sandwich shops, G Grab and Go. While traveling through Greece and parts of the Middle East, Chef Isabella learned the nuances of these cuisines. Talking to locals and sifting through the markets gave Chef Isabella a chance to truly understand these foods, and established a base for his creative imagination.
Outside the kitchen, Chef Isabella appeared on season six of Top Chef and was the runner-up on Top Chef All-Stars. In 2012, he was named Food & Wine Magazine’s “People’s Best New Chef Mid-Atlantic” and is a member of the American Chef Corps.
The “Crazy Good Meatball Challenge”
Beginning at 4:15 pm at the Mid-Atlantic Home and Garden Show’s Family Stage, Chef Isabella will host the Crazy Good Meatball Challenge. There he will taste meatballs submitted by CIV students and top local chefs to determine who makes the best meatballs in town. Participating restaurants are Woody McGee’s Barstro, Big Italy, Mannino’s Italian Bistro, Croc’s 19th Street Bistro, and Bella Italia Café.
Those interested in joining Chef Isabella for a private tasting of these treats can buy a ticket for $30. $20 of this purchase is donated to the Culinary Institute of Virginia Scholarship Fund. For more information, please visit www.midatlantichomeshow.com.
About ECPI University
ECPI University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees and diploma programs. With campuses in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, ECPI, a private university established in 1966, offers convenient classes during the day, evening, and online; graduate employment services are provided. Continuing education certification classes and testing are also available.
ECPI’s fields of study include: TECHNOLOGY: Cyber and Network Security, Information Systems, Software Development, Cloud Computing and Virtualization, Healthcare IT, Web Development, Simulation and Game Programming, Database Programming, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Marine Technology; Medical Imaging Equipment Technology; BUSINESS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Accounting, Business Administration, IT Management, Hospitality Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security; HEALTH SCIENCES: Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, Medical Administration, Physical Therapist Assistant, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Radiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Surgical Technology, Nursing (RN to BSN), Nursing (RN), Practical Nursing; CULINARY: Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, Baking and Pastry Arts. (Program field availability varies by campus.) For more information, visit www.ecpi.edu.