Carpigiani announces winners of Indianapolis ice cream competition

Catering equipment brand, Carpigiani, has continued to carry on its journey of ‘The Carpigiani Challenge’, stopping in Indianapolis on March 5.

The challenge was hosted by foodservice equipment distributor Van Treese & Association at its annual Open House, where 10 chefs took part in two dessert-making competitions.

The winning flavor for the ice cream category was ‘Cherry Amaretto Crunch’ by Dan Marinkovich, a chef based in Indianapolis and for the gelato category, ‘Sofia in the City’ by Hattie McDaniel of Cunningham Restaurant Group.

The judging panel for the competitions included: Denis Destaic, head chef at country club Wood Stock Club; Alex Fuentes and Trent Regal, sous chefs at the culinary program at IU Health North.

The company said: “The winner of the ice cream category will be invited to the American Ice Cream Final, a special event being scheduled in New York City to highlight the unique tradition of American-style ice cream.

“Flavor, creativity, structure and consistency are the three parameters used for the evaluation, highlighting the choice of ingredients, the craftsmanship in elaborating the recipe and the mouthfeel of well-made ice cream.”

Additionally, the gelato category winner will be invited to the American Finale of Gelato Festival America in 2020, to compete for a chance to become one of the American chefs who will represent North America at the 2021 World Final.

Founded in 1946 in Italy, Carpigiani is prominent in the gelato making machines sector and is part of the Ali Group.