Haynes wins Aviano Top Chef Competition

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Justin Weaver
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A spin-off of the hit reality show "Top Chef" came to Aviano as two 31st Force Support Squadron chefs pitted their skills in the first-ever Aviano Top Chef competition Dec. 5 at the La Dolce Vita Dining Facilty.

Senior Airman Tonya Walker and Airman 1st Class Shaun Haynes were each slotted two hours to prepare their ingredients and whip up a southwestern style dish consisting of Mexican baked pork chops, Spanish style beans and macaroni and cheese. 

Once the food was prepared, customers were then served samples of each chef's southwestern creation and given a judging sheet. Chefs were judged on how well they followed the Air Force recipe system, their organizational skills and team work, sanitation and safety. 

Airman Haynes squeaked out a one-point victory, claiming the Aviano Top Chef victory, a one-day pass and a set of culinary knives. 

"I was ecstatic when I found out I won," said Airman Haynes, who joined the Air Force earlier this year. "The competition was fun and fierce; so it was very satisfying to accept the award."

Airman Haynes has always enjoyed cooking and even took some cooking classes in high school. The Top Chef competition gave him an opportunity to showcase his talent, but more importantly, it gave the dining staff an opportunity to highlight what they do on a daily basis. 

"We wanted to implement a competition where our staff's potential can be put to the test," said Tech. Sgt. Mario Delahoz, 31st FSS Buon Appetito Dining Facility manager. "We have a lot of talented personnel in our kitchen and this competition helps improve their confidence."

According to Sergeant Delahoz, plans for the next Aviano Top Chef competition will expand to other 31st FSS staff.

"Our first competition here was a success and the upcoming competitions will only get better," he said. "Our plans include inviting the fitness and lodging personnel to join the competition. After all, they are all Air Force Chefs with the same training capable of preparing a delicious meal."

The Top Chef competition will take place the first week of the first month of every quarter.

"I thought this event was fantastic," said Tech. Sgt. Manuel Gaytan, 31st FSS Dining Facility NCO in charge. "It's a great way to boost the morale of our staff and younger Airmen. It also gives us a new and inventive way to get customers out to the dining facility."