Another First Place Win for Culinary Services Team

February 28, 2020 | The Villager | Reading Time 2:00 Minutes

Friendship Village Kalamazoo Culinary Services team of Executive Chef Nicole Hassen, Rachael Peters, Catering Manager Kellie Miller and Director of Culinary Services Roger Kozicki competed against top southwest Michigan restaurant chefs on Wednesday, February 26 in the Girl Scout Cookie Bake-Off to benefit the Girl Scouts of SW Michigan.

This Girl Scout cookie themed fundraiser puts chef’s talents to the test by asking competitors to make a sweet treat using a Girl Scout Cookie as the main ingredient. Attendees pay a $55 fee to taste and vote for their favorite sweet entrée prepared by each competitor. The two awards are the People’s Choice Award and the Judge’s Choice Award.

Friendship Village’s entry was a Samaos-inspired parfait, made with the Samaos Girl Scout cookie.

Our entry won First Place in the Judge’s Choice category!

Chef Nicole, Rachael, Kellie, Roger and other team members worked together to create a stunning table scape and a top-notch presentation of their decadent dessert. A number of Friendship Village staff and residents came to the event to cheer on our winning team!

Participation in this event benefits Friendship Village through the ability to showcase our culinary skills to community members, increase awareness of Friendship Village, and publicity of our win through social media. Connecting with community is a priority for Friendship Village, and our participation in this event allows the non-profit Girl Scouts to raise the necessary funds to ensure Outreach Programs to help girls become Girl Scouts. The Outreach Program provides a safe place, and various resources, to girls in underserved communities.

For more information on this event, contact Wendy Haan, Community Marketing Specialist, at 269-381-0323 or [email protected].