Some of our community’s best chefs went all out to claim the honor of “Top Bun” at an innovative and refreshing cook off. On Tuesday November 11th, Barkai Yeshivah held its 2nd annual “Top Bun” contest. Judging by its successful turnout, this evening offered an unparalleled and delectable time for all involved.
First introduced last year by Barkai Yeshivah’s board member Albert Dweck, the concept quickly grew throughout the close-knit Barkai family, with the result producing a sensational and entirely different concept. Last year’s event was extremely successful and this year’s contest reached an even higher level of excitement. Each group of cooks presented a mazza dish, a dish to be served over rice, a main course and a dessert. Expert judges from within the community went around taste testing. Prizes were awarded per category and were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall winners.
The guests were treated to a wide array of appetizing Syrian cuisine and mouthwatering desserts. As the judges taste tested, guests socialized, and enjoyed wine tasting and a beautiful Chinese Auction.
And the winners were, in the mazza category: Lori Safdieh, Lori Simcha Safdieh, Esther Safdieh, Kathy Shabot and Jeanette Safdieh. For the “goes with rice” category, Adam Mimran and David Ashear were the winners. For the main dish category, Naomi Mosseri, Sheryl Mann, Michelle Oved and Michelle Zalta won for beef sofrito. For the dessert category the winners were: Joyce Mamiye, Arlene Stein, Aura Franco, Shu Shu Setton and Rachel Fallas. The People’s Choice winners were: Adele Laboz, Carol Chera, Jacklyn Marcos and Liz Betesh. The 3rd place overall winners were: Liza Ashear, Evelyn Ashear and Leah Matalon. Second place were Naomi Mosseri, Sheryl Mann, Michelle Oved and Michelle Zalta.
First place overall was awarded to Poopa Dweck, Sheri Shabot, Carina Dweck, Nicole Dweck, Sarine Dweck, Poopa Dweck (granddaughter) and Susan Shweky.
“The Top Bun event was an extraordinary opportunity to bond and spend an exciting and special time with a group of fascinating and remarkable women,” said Poopa Dweck. “The competition was fierce! Everyone was at their best. Top Bun was more than a cooking competition, it was about love, dedication, and community. The team members were brilliant, each one individually, like shining stars, each with their own special talents, playing their part in bringing their team to first place. I was proud to be part of such a historic event and privileged to have the opportunity to support Barkai Yeshivah. I wish this remarkable school continued success. One of the most extraordinary moments of the evening was watching my 7-year-old granddaughter Poopa Dweck working and displaying the food. This is what it is all about.”
The winning mazza dish was: smokey eggplant salad with garlic and parsley, and mini homemade Syrian bread. The “goes with rice” winner was: rice with vermicelli and toasted pine nuts, and Haloob artichokes in tamarind broth with sauteed meatballs. The main entrée was: stuffed eggplant with quince and roasted chicken. Finally for dessert: caramel-pistachio torte with halvah and dark chocolate with fig and pistachio truffle. Fresh Arabic coffee was served as well.
“Food is a means of bringing families and friends together. Shabbat and holidays are strengthened and enhanced by the dedication and adherence to sacred rituals and the preparation of traditional dishes. The selections for the competition were inspired with the goal to bring back and reintroduce some of the traditions, recipes, ingredients and techniques that might have been diluted, lost or forgotten,” said Poopa.
The evening would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of the Barkai PTA and Norma Levy, Sharon Dweck, Stephanie Zackay, Shirley Catton, Rachel Ashkenazi, Kathy Shabbot, Norma Cohen, Linda Levy, Michael Hidary and Jack Dweck. Barkai Yeshivah would also like to thank its many sponsors for the evening.
Each winner received a beautiful trophy and various prizes, with the 1st place winners winning $1,000 gift certificate to The Yellow Door.
Congratulations to all the winners! Many outstanding cooks will have the opportunity to enter next year’s 3rd annual event—so get your recipes and palates ready!
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
