It was almost too close to call, said Maplewood Health Officer Robert Roe, but Park Wood Diner and Winchester Gardens beat out the competition by a narrow margin on Saturday to win the Maplewood Wellness Fair Cooking Contest.
Park Wood Diner won in the category of “vegetarian” for its famous spinach pie. Winchester Gardens won in two categories: “savory” and “sweet.” Some very photogenic tuxedo-wearing chocolate-covered strawberries captured the sweet prize.
Other contestants, whom Roe said scored highly as well, were The Rack, Tandoori Chef 2, and Maplewood Deli & Grille. Chef Jesse Jones and personal chef Nicky Sandels were among the judges.
Other vendors at the event included St. Barnabas Medical Center, Walgreens, Overlook Medical Center, Summit Medical Group, the Maplewood Police (giving out free kids bike helmets with every bicycle registration), the South Mountain YMCA, Viva Z Club, and a number of folks from Springfield Avenue, aka Maplewood’s Wellness Mile. The ladies from Destination U.G.L.I.E. (Uplifting, Goal-oriented, Life-changing, Intense, Exercise) at 1729 Springfield Avenue were promoting their exercise programs for every level and ability. Also, making a strong showing: R.U.S.H. Fitness from 2 Burnett Avenue (across from Walgreens).
See more vendors in our photo gallery below:
