SHEF Competition Showcases Innovation, Skill, and Service Across Air Force Bases
Salute Hospitality hosted its annual Salute Hospitality Epicurean Faceoff (SHEF) on Dec. 3 at the Culinary Institute of America in San Antonio. The event united some of the finest culinary talent from Aramark’s Air Force base portfolio for a high stakes cookoff celebrating creativity, precision and service excellence.
This year’s competition featured 11 Airmen in a rapid-fire challenge using only a mystery basket of surprise ingredients. Competitors had 100 minutes to develop, prepare, and plate dishes that impressed the panel of judges on taste, presentation, sanitation, and originality.
In one of the most fiercely contested SHEF events yet, the top three Airmen finished within six points of each other - only a single point crowned the champion. The dedication and talent on display throughout the competition reflect the culinary excellence and hospitality experiences these chefs deliver to Airmen every day.
Top Finishers
- 1st Place: A1C Ivana Inga, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (AK)
- Dish: Rustic beef tenderloin paired with couscous-crusted scallops, finished with a heritage chimichurri sauce
- 2nd Place: A1C Zoe Klassen, Little Rock Air Force Base (AR)
- Dish: Thyme-infused tenderloin with blood orange scallops
- 3rd Place: A1C Treyson Spann, Malmstrom Air Force Base (MT)
- Dish: Pacific Northwest–inspired scallops and rosemary tenderloin
A1C Inga was awarded a gold medallion, a custom-engraved Salute Hospitality cutting board, a chef-grade knife set. Her winning dish will be featured across all bases during the upcoming Spring holiday meal, and she will return next year as a mentor to the 2026 National Championship competitors.
Competing Airmen represented bases nationwide, including McGuire (NJ), Fairchild (WA), Grand Forks (ND), Little Rock (AR), Elmendorf-Richardson (AK), MacDill (FL), Altus (OK), McConnell (KS), Malmstrom (MT), Travis (CA), and Davis-Monthan (AZ). Each contestant demonstrated the culinary mastery developed through their daily duties and advanced training with Salute Hospitality Executive Chefs, including guidance from 2024 National Champion A1C Sharon Villacres Baracaldo of Altus Air Force Base (OK).
The SHEF competition continues to spotlight the leadership, creativity, and innovation that Airmen bring to the table – transforming everyday meals into elevated dining experiences for service members across the country.
