The Taste of The Garlands

Inspired perhaps by the plethora of cooking contests on television, including Top Chef, Chopped, and Hell’s Kitchen, The Garlands culinary team hosted their own heated cook-off called “The Taste of The Garlands” this summer.

The annual event draws a houseful of foodies, and the discerning judges are none other than The Garlands members themselves.

“Garlands members really enjoy seeing the creativity of our culinary team, and The Taste gives members a chance to see our team’s depth of expertise,” says The Garlands Executive Chef, Glenn Zamet.

Since the cooks are usually in the kitchen, Garlands members don’t necessarily have an opportunity to get to know them, so Chef Glenn devised this inclusive and interactive opportunity to “put a face to the food.”

The winning “faces” behind the 2025 Taste of The Garlands top three creations were:

Eli's first place Honey walnut shrimp at The Garlands — First Place: Eli Zarate’s Honey Walnut Shrimp

Kristin's Butternut squash at the garlands — Second Place: Kristin Sadkowski’s Butternut Squash and Zucchini Pasta

Roy's Lamb Lasagna at The Garlands — Third Place: Roy Gutierrez’s Lamb Lasagna

“I personally love seeing the new ideas and my team’s creativity, and this year’s entries did not disappoint,” says Chef Glenn. “I also like noticing some of the things that cooks have learned from us come to life in their dishes, and I enjoy hearing the feedback from the members.”

This year’s Taste of the Garlands winners earned prizes, including a professional knife set, box of steaks, and fine wine, and the ultimate prize—bragging rights for having their creation featured on The Garlands ever-changing menus.

Categories: Blog, Culinary, Employees