The University of West Florida Dining Services summoned Greek organizations to its first Battle of the Zones Chef competition for a $200 prize.

The event mimicked the "Iron Chef" television show that appears on the Food Network. Alpha Kappa Alpha and Phi Sigma Sigma sororities and the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity participated in the hour-long event. Each team was allotted 30 minutes to prepare one entr`e.

"I have to give it to all the teams," said University President John Cavanaugh.

"The food was excellent."

President Cavanaugh joined Ellen Till, director of Auxiliary Services; Angela McCorvey, assistant dean for the Student Success program; Richard Barth, dean of Student Affairs; and Joe Poletto, associate director of Housing and Residence Life in judging the entrees.

The AKA sorority, the yellow team, headed by Chef Celio Soares of Sodexho, made two entrees, shrimp scampi and a dessert. Phi Sigma Sigma, the green team, headed by Chef Patrick Cassidy of Sodexho, prepared garlic chicken.

In the end, SAM, the red team, won the competition with chicken roulade, shrimp and pomegranate stuffing prepared by Chef Robert Danner of Sodexho.

"Quantity does not beat quality," said Ryan Pesch, freshman marine biology major and fraternity member who assisted Danner in coring the peppers.

"It was my first time coring peppers so I used a potato peeler," he said.

Leslie Bell, a member of University Dining Service, presented the winners with a $200 check to be used toward any event utilizing the dining services. The fraternity decided to use the money to organize a brotherhood cookout.

"Spring semester we hope to have more groups involved in the event," Bell said.

To compete in the event, Greek organizations must compile a team of three people and stop by dining services to apply.

Bell also presented Danner with a golden spoon for his winning entrŽe. Each chef works in the food court preparing meals for the University everyday.

"It feels great to win," Pesch said.

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