Seattle Center Chefs Demonstrate Culinary Skills in Bright Horizons’ Chopped Challenge

July 17, 2024 – Recently, 38 chefs from the Seattle area Bright Horizons’ centers gathered in the kitchen at Chestnut Hill Academy in Bellevue, WA to participate in the inaugural “Bright Horizons Chopped Challenge”, a take on the Food Network’s popular show Chopped where chefs compete against each another to make dishes using unusual ingredients. The Bright Horizons version of Chopped was created by Ali Rock, regional manager at Bright Horizons, as a fun and creative way for the chefs to bond, learn from one another, and swap recipes. 

The chefs were divided into three teams -- Well Seasoned, Wild Tasty Greens, and the Fab 9. They were given a timed one-hour challenge of creating a snack or appetizer and a main dish using 14 main ingredients that included chicken, lemon, fruit, and heavy cream. The chefs were also tasked with using two surprise ingredients in their dishes ranging from ramen noodles, chocolate chips, and a can of beans. All the ingredients in the kitchen’s pantry were also available for the chefs to use. 

The final dishes included a variety of fare from fiesta orzo and southwest chicken to a charcuterie board and herb chicken and orzo pilaf. The chefs’ dishes were judged by their fellow chefs from Chestnut Hill Academy. 

“It was great to be able to see the teamwork with the other chefs and for them to show off their culinary skills. They were able to work together, and create some amazing dishes,” said Liam Spence, challenge judge and chef at Chestnut Hill Academy.  “It was also a nice team building experience.”

The challenge resulted in a tie with two of the teams taking home the title of Bright Horizons Chopped Challenge winner. Ali hopes to continue the challenge in the years to come as it was such an amazing experience for all who participated. 

To learn more about careers at Bright Horizons, visit here.