Torah Academy Student Reps NJ at Kosher Cook-Off

Faux Pho took the prize in the 2013 Man-O-Manischewitz Live Cook-Off. The recipe's creator Josie Shapiro of San Francisco competed against four other finalists to win. Yitzi Taber, a senior at Teaneck's Torah Academy of Bergen County, represented New Jersey. 

Newark Mayor Cory Booker declared Thursday Manischewitz Day in Newark. In return, the company's president annouced that, after Thursday's successful Man-O-Manischewitz Live Cook-Off, held for the first time in New Jersey, next year's event will again be held at the Newark headquarters. 

Celebrity chef and cookbook author Jamie Geller, known as the "Queen of Kosher," led a panel of judges who awarded first prize, including $25,000 of Maytag kitchen appliances and cash, to winner Shapiro. Shapiro's winning recipe, "Faux Pho," included two Manischewitz ingredients and was prepared in less than an hour.

While the five finalists cooked, guests sampled their creations and toured the factory.

Guests also supported their chosen chef. At age 17, Taber, of Bergenfield, is the youngest finalist in contest history. Taber was supported by a large group of classmates. 

In greeting the assembled guests, Booker noted that he had been to the headquarters for its ribbon cutting in 2011.  "I love Manischewitz," said Booker. "Baruch hashem for Manischewitz."  Co-CEO and Co-President of the company Alain Bankier returned the sentiment. "We are very happy in Newark," he said. Bankier noted that, while the Cook-Off is in its seventh year, this is the first year it took place outside of Manhattan. "They said no one would come," said Bankier of skeptics, noting that the audience and media representation was greater than ever before. In addition, he said, having the Cook-Off at the headquarters allowed employees to watch the event.

"We're doing our eighth contest here in Newark," annouced Bankier to applause.

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