Leunigs chef named top chef of the Champlain Valley

Donnell Collins, Executive Chef and co-owner of Leunig's Bistro and Cafe in Burlington was named Top Chef of the Champlain Valley at CVAA's benefit to support Meals on Wheels. Collins went head to head against Sam Palmisano of Pulcinella's (2008 & 2009 Top Chef winner) and David Fonte of 156 Bistro. The winning dish was a cornmeal crusted quail with cherry sauce.
Nearly $30,000 was raised to support Meals on Wheels at the Top Chef of the Champlain Valley. Over 220,000 Meals on Wheels are delivered each year in the Champlain Valley to homebound seniors. Over 400 people packed the Maple Ballroom at UVM's Davis Center to watch Collins be named the new Top Chef.
The panel of judges included Mark Timms, Executive Chef of the TopNotch Resort & Spa in Stowe, Suzanne Podhaizer, food critic for Seven Days, and Tim Elliott, Executive Chef and Owner of Stone Soup in Burlington. According to Elliott anyone ordering this dish in a restaurant "would be thrilled."
The Top Chef of the Champlain Valley recognizes the talents of the areas' top chefs and supports local farms, using all Vermont ingredients in this gourmet cook-off.
CVAA is a non-profit organization that empowers seniors to live well. CVAA works with seniors and caregivers, offering guidance and providing the support and services they need, when they need them. With the help of community partners and volunteers, CVAA serves over 10,000 seniors. Established in 1974, CVAA is known as the resource for seniors in the Champlain Valley (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties).For more information call 1-800-642-5119 or click on cvaa.org.