Manischewitz Cook-Off Moving To Newark

Mayor Cory Booker today 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 Josie Shapiro of San Francisco. 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. Yitzi Taber of Bergenfield, and a senior at Torah Academy of Bergen County, represented New Jersey. At age 17, Taber 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.

The 2014 Manischewitz Cook-Off  has not yet been scheduled. However, those eager to start their stoves can check out past winners and ingredients here.