Safeway cooks up a new competition

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway is launching a first-of-its kind competition that could land one chef with a job with the Safeway Culinary Kitchens and his or recipe included in the Open Nature Skillet Meal line. The competition will culminate in a final cook-off at the Safeway Culinary Kitchens in Pleasanton, Calif., where chefs will cook their original, delicious and nutritious skillet meals. Executive chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli, who appears on Food Network's "Chopped" and "Iron Chef," will join an experienced judging panel of Safeway chefs and executives to select the winning chef who will join the culinary team.

"We know our busy shoppers want delicious, healthier and convenient meals," said Mike Minasi, president of marketing at Safeway. "Our state-of-the-art Culinary Kitchens feature 4,000 sq. ft. of food development work space, including a kitchen set-up reminiscent of what our shoppers have in their homes. It is here that we are able to develop innovative Safeway food products tailored to what our shoppers want – great tasting food at affordable prices."

Safeway will be hosting the regional cook-offs at the following three campuses: California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Seattle and Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago on April 23rd, 25th, and 27th respectively. Safeway is encouraging top-notch chefs everywhere, from culinary schools to restaurants, to participate in this competition.