Lobster & Olive Bread Pudding (upper left from Chef Carlos Valdez of The Oceanaire in Hackensack), Creole Shrimp on Plantain Mofongo (upper right from Chef Aldo Diaz of Morton’s in Hackensack); Secret ingredient: Olives (lower left) [photo source: Whole Foods Market Bergen]

After three grueling rounds, Chef Carlos Valdez of The Oceanaire in Hackensack has won this year’s Ultimate Chef Bergen County (defeating Chef Aldo Diaz of Morton’s in Hackensack) and has been crowned Ultimate Chef Bergen County 2015. The finale featured olives as the secret ingredient. Congrats to Chef Valdez and his team – and to all the competitors this year. For those interested, The Oceanaire in Hackensack is located at The Shops at Riverside mall, with lunch service six days and dinner available daily.

Boozy Burbs would also like to thank the event sponsors Chef Central and Whole Foods (Bergen County) for the support to get these updates quickly to post. Until next year…

UCBC 2015 Recap
Round 1 – View
Round 2 – View