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MadAddie...Mixing IT Up.

First Taste of Summer: 6th Annual Chef's Challenge to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of The Capital Region



I was pleased to serve on the event Steering Committee as well as a Judge for the "Iron Chef" style competition for the 3rd year.

Event attendees were treated to fab fare from participating restaurants, including Prime at Saratoga National, Blue Agave, The Olde Bryan Inn, The Edison Club, Warehouse Grill + BBQ, The Hilton Garden Inn, and Forno Bistro. Guests cast their vote for the "People's Choice" award and the winner competes the following year against the winner of the "Iron Chef" challenge. In addition, a cocktail competition starts the evening off on a "spirited" note.

Emerging victorious from the "People's Choice" portion of the program this year were Chef Derek Adams, of Warehouse Grill + BBQ and Ryen VanHall, whose Upstate Distilling libation featured their own Bourbon cocktail, perfectly presented with an infused Rhubarb skewer.

The "Iron Chef" Challenge is a mano a mano...all knives on deck..clash of culinary prowess, allowing each Chef to put their creativity to the test. Each Chef must create an appetizer, entrée and dessert course for the judges, who are armed with scorecards for each round. And, in true "Iron Chef" fashion, there is a secret ingredient in play. This year's secret substance was mint, which I was thrilled about, as it captures the essence of Summer, and lends itself to so many preparations and flavor combinations.

Chef Thomas Gulbrandsen, a graduate of the SCCC Culinary Arts Program and Executive Chef of Saratoga Marriott Courtyard and Excelsior Springs, was making his 3rd appearance to retain his throne, having bested Chef John Ireland, after his own similar dominance in the event, several years ago. The challenger, Chef Frank Daluisio, represented Iron Roost, located in Ballston Spa, having emerged victorious from The "People's Choice" in 2016.

I was joined at Judge's table by John "Doc" Sconzo, Chef Joe Marosek, and the high bidder for the coveted 4th judge's seat.

We were wowed by each Chef's minty mastery, and when the votes were tallied...the results were an unprecedented tie. We were then tasked with dissecting each course and ultimately choosing a winner. Chef Tom was tops once again, pulling off the three-peat.

And so...next year's challenge will feature two of my close friends, Chef Derek vs. Chef Tom.

Chef Tom was actually in my graduating class from Culinary School and his skills continue to amaze me. Both are incredible talents and I am looking forward to their presentations at next year's festivities.

Without further ado...here are some photos from the event...no calories!

if you are interested in additional information on how to participate in next year's event, please do not hesitate to contact me. Bon Appetit!

A Night Out In New York City

The brilliant Dale Carnegie encapsulated the importance of having fun at work when he gave this advice, "People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing,"

It's a basic truth about life and we strive to act on that advice every day at MadAddie.

Last week, we had a blast in New York City during #MensFashionWeek. The MadAddie crew attended a men's fashion show put on by our friend Victor Cipolla and the incredible Evil Genius ad agency.

Kariann and Natalie are veritable fashion show veterans. Martha, Judd, and Caroline on the other hand had their first experience at a fashion show. New or not to the fashion scene, it was an awesome show. The talent of the models (wow, does it take endurance to smile and stand up for hours) and creativity of the designers were inspiring.

Imagine that. Having fun AND expanding your paradigm. That's what we are all about at MadAddie.

Speaking of fun, Caroline went a little mad and made a crazy fun video of our trip highlighting MadAddie's team building. Take a look!




Help Support Breast Cancer Research, Awareness & Support Services!


MadAddie Marketing is raffling off an Apple Watch. For every raffle entry we will donate 50 cents to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Drum roll please...

MadAddie Marketing is proud to announce Brien Hollowood from Unlimited Potential as the winner of our Apple Watch raffle! Unlimited Potential's mission is to increase the vocational opportunities of Saratoga County residents with mental disabilities by providing training and employment services.

Congrats Brien and thanks for entering to help support Breast Cancer Awareness!

Brien Hollowood and Natalie Pollard

Natalie Pollard presents Brien Hollowood with his new sporty Apple Watch


MadAddie Raffle Details:

Raffle ends October 31st 2015. Each form submission has a raffle number which will be digitally drawn. The winner will be notified by email first then by phone. We will promote the winner on our website and social networks. Total number of unique entries and donation amount will be posted within the week and submitted to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. MadAddie will also post the traffic resources and website statistics of the campaign. Any contact information entered will not be shared or sold.

The mission of the National Breast Cancer Foundation is to provide help and inspire hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education, research and support services. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Nearly 1.7 million women around the globe were diagnosed in 2012, and incidence rates are on the rise.

Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

Learn more about NBCF