Highlights of Ocala’s Biggest Holiday Office Party 2013
We had a great time on Friday night at Ocala’s Biggest Holiday Office Party 2013! We’d like to share a few highlights of the evening with you.
The “War of the Hoses” Culinary Battle
The Competitors from Black Sheep MCFR #20
This year’s “War of the Hoses” was a culinary battle between Randall Johnson, Andrew Smith, and James Hensley from MCFR #20. They each had two hours to cook their dish using the secret ingredient of wild boar, which was revealed to them just prior to starting the competition. They had to prepare 150 plates (tapas size) of their dish to serve to our guests. From there, our guests voted on their favorite dish. The winning chef’s charity receives a cash donation made in that chef’s name.
Randall Johnson: Randall has been involved with the Fire Rescue since 2005 and with Marion County Fire Rescue since 2011. He learned to cook at a young age and since then has been interested in the culinary arts and has future plans to hopefully open his own restaurant one day. The charity Randall picked was The Marion County Firefighter Benevolence Fund.
Randall cooked oven fried wild boar pork chops with roasted potatoes and sauteed onions and mushrooms.
Andrew Smith: Andrew has been a firefighter/paramedic for 7 years and recently came to Golden Ocala Station #20. He is a Driver/Engineer. Andrew has always enjoyed cooking, but it took becoming a fireman to push him over the top. Firemen are picky eaters and they aren’t afraid to tell you if they don’t like it! Andrew’s charity was the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida (in honor of Baily Trussell).
Andrew cooked stuffed pork belly with a cranberry almond stuffing.
James Hensley: James is a lieutenant firefighter paramedic with 23 years experience. He has been a member of Marion County’s Hazardous Materials team for 20 years, but is new to Station 20. James enjoys cooking at home, as well as at the fire station. He feels that learning to cook is part of growing up at the firehouse. James’ charity was “The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation”.
James cooked wild boar pork chops marinated in mojo, olive oil, thyme, and garlic.
Check out the chefs in action as they cooked against the clock!
James Hensley was the winner of the 2013 “War of the Hoses”! Congratulations James!
A VERY SPECIAL “Thank You” to Cheney Brothers, who graciously donated food for this wonderful party and to Party Time Rentals for their décor!