Redefining food in healthcare – Northwell Health’s 2022 Chefs Challenge sparks culinary innovation

At Northwell, we stand behind the belief that food is medicine and a little competition can spark culinary innovation. At this year’s annual Chefs Challenge event, hosted at Glen Cove Hospital, our culinary teams competed for the chance to create a healthy, delicious meal that may be prepared for future patients at Northwell hospitals across our organization.

Each team, comprised of our chefs, cooks, and registered dieticians, had 90 minutes to present a healthy and enticing three-course meal to the judges. In its 11th year, Northwell had the honor of hosting best-selling cookbook author and Emmy-award winning TV host, Lidia Bastianich, as one of our celebrity guest judges.

“First, I’m amazed at the quality of food that’s being tasted here. Secondly, that this food is being served to patients in Northwell hospitals in big numbers,”* Lidia Bastianich said.

The first prize was awarded to the team from Peconic Bay Medical Center, whose winning dishes included: a chilled English pea soup with goat cheese panna cotta for an appetizer, a deconstructed seafood stew as the main entrée, and a raspberry yogurt mousse for dessert. Coming in second place was Syosset Hospital and in third place was Northern Westchester Hospital.

Bruno Tiso, vice president of Northwell’s food services and corporate executive chef, shared, “This annual event is where we confirm our commitment to redefining food in healthcare. Not only does it allow us to get together to share ideas, new techniques, and new dishes, it also allows us to showcase how we are transforming hospital food.”*

When you think of hospitals, restaurant-quality, nutritious food may not be top of mind, but at Northwell, preparing delicious and healthy dishes for our patients is a priority. From cooks to chefs to dining assistants, we have many career opportunities that offer comprehensive benefits and growth.

Join our award-winning culinary team.