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Boardman Shepherd hosts battle for coolest cupcake
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After the judging was over, guests were free to eat the winning treats. Resident Nora Scandy (right) enjoyed a carrot cake cupcake with her daughter, Stacy DiBarnardo.
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The final decision by the judges included some intense arguments. Judge Renee Mauk (kneeling) communicated the final decision, after judges Mike Robinson (sitting, left), Christina Pallo, Steve Ilovvsky, and Amy Anzevino gave their votes.
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The cupcake champions were happy about their wins. They were, from left, Chris Restle, second-place for most unique; David Johnson, first-place winner for best decoration and most unique; Karen Lambert, second-place in decoration and taste; and Donna Zubil, first-place in taste.
By SARAH FOOR
Although the staff and residents of Boardman Shepherd of the Valley enjoyed their “Cupcake Wars” baking competition on May 10, it’s fair to say that most of the guests were excited for the event to end.
That’s because when the judging portion of the competition was over, guests were invited to eat the contestants.
Facility administrative assistant Chris Restle planned the event as a part of National Nursing Homes Week.
“The idea came up because, well, we love food here at Shepherd of the Valley,” Restle said with a laugh. “Many of our residents and staff are fans of the show ‘Cupcake Wars’ on the food network, so it seemed like a natural fit.”
Cupcakes baked by Shepherd staff and resident families were judged for best taste, best decoration and most unique. Five experts judged the contestants: Mike Robinson, MCCTC teacher and local food writer; Christina Pallo, local cupcake aficionado; Steve Ilovsky, Shepherd employee; Amy Anzevino, food service coordinator for Shepherd Poland; and Renee Mauk, Maggie’s Magic Muffins manager.
The selection included Oreo, triple chocolate, wedding cake, and coffee and doughnut cupcakes. However, in the end it was Donna Zubil’s lemon cupcakes that won the best taste award.
David Johnson won two top prizes in decoration and most unique, for his bacon and french toast cupcake and sub sandwich cupcake, respectively.
Boardman’s STNA coordinator Karen Lambert, who also was runner-up for best tasting cupcake, said she felt for the competition’s judges.
“They keep handing them cupcakes to eat. I’d probably never want to see one ever again if I had to eat that many!”
Judge Christina Pallo planned ahead, however.
“I thought it through and decided to do a conservative corner bite. It was a smart move, I think,” Pallo shared.