NGTC students win at Burger Bash

     Two North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) culinary arts students recently earned top honors at the 2023 Burger Bash hosted by the American Culinary Federation (ACF) Atlanta Chefs Association, Inc. (ACA) and Buckhead Meat of Atlanta, a Sysco company.  
     During the Burger Bash, current culinary arts students are paired with professional ACA member chefs to compete for the title of ACF Atlanta Chefs Best Burger as a team.
     This year’s event featured five culinary students and five executive chefs with more than 100 members, guests, and industry professionals in attendance.  
     Diane Rucker, NGTC culinary arts student of Hartwell, and Chef Eric Faulkerson of the Currahee Club in Toccoa, brought home the gold and claimed the title of ACF Atlanta Chefs Best Burger.
    The winning burger featured double certified Angus beef patties, red onion jam, bone marrow butter, marble blue cheese, and fried tobacco-style onions all sandwiched between a brioche bun.
     NGTC culinary arts student, Pedro Diaz of Alto, claimed bronze along with Chef Sergio Posillico of Savannah.  
      The event was sponsored by Sysco, Buckhead Meat of Atlanta, FreshPoint Atlanta, and Supplies on the Fly. Additionally, each team’s burger was required to feature certified Angus beef provided by Buckhead Meat of Atlanta.  
     “In the exciting arena of culinary excellence, our students have proven their mastery by excelling in the ACF Atlanta Chefs Association and Buckhead Beef/Sysco Burger Bash Competition,” said NGTC vice president of Academic Affairs Mindy Glander.
     “These remarkable achievements not only showcase their culinary prowess but also reflect the relentless dedication and unwavering spirit of our students and faculty.”  
      “North Georgia Technical College is incredibly proud of our culinary students for their outstanding performances in the ACF Atlanta Chefs Association and Buckhead Beef/Sysco Burger Bash Competition,” said Christy Bivins, NGTC dean of academic affairs.
      “This achievement demonstrates their exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and ability to excel under pressure. These accomplishments are also a testament of the hard work and guidance our faculty provide to our students each and every day,” Bivins said.
     “I am very proud of the culinary arts students who participated in the recent Burger Bash Competition,” said Chef Chris Bladowski, NGTC culinary arts instructor.
     “Pedro did an outstanding job with Chef Sergio, and seeing Diane’s huge smile when she won first place with Chef Eric was priceless! In all the competitions she has participated in, she finally landed the big one – a huge gold medallion,” Bladowski said.