*1st Place: Honey Pecan Catfish

2023 AHF Culinary Competition Gold Medalists

Endeavor Health

Wes Lieberher, Executive Chef, South Region
Mynor Garcia, Sous Chef

Dish description:
Blackened Honey & Pecan Glazed Catfish w/Hushpuppy Polenta Cakes, Blackberry Serrano Slaw, Cherry Smoked Peach Purée

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 320 minutes
  • Yield: 6 portions

Description

Wes Lieberher
Executive Chef, South Region
Chef Wes Lieberher forged his skills in popular kitchens in Philadelphia in the early 2000’s, climbing the ranks until he became executive chef of French Bistro, Vintage. In 2010, he moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his career as a chef. Shortly after arriving in LA, Chef Wes opened Beer Belly, a craft beer & comfort food restaurant. As Executive Chef he and his team turned Beer Belly into one of the most popular comfort food eateries in the history of the city.

Since Beer Belly closed in 2018, Chef Wes has opened multiple restaurants & concepts in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Chicago, & Berlin, Germany as an executive chef and culinary consultant.

Chef Wes has been featured on Food Network multiple times appearing on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and competition shows Guys Grocery Games and Super Chef Grudge Match. He has also been featured on the Travel Channel’s Food Paradise and ABC’s The Taste with Anthony Bourdain.

Chef Wes joined forces with Top Ranked Health System, Endeavor Health, in 2021 to focus on creating a new culinary experience for patients and customers in the area. Chef Wes has found a new sense of passion for health and patient care and is determined to change the culinary boundaries of the healthcare industry.

Mynor Garcia
Sous Chef, Edward Hospital
Mynor’s journey in culinary arts began in 2009 when he attended The Illinois institute of Art-Chicago. After three years of working full time in shipping and receiving while attending school part time, Mynor finally graduated in 2012.

Shortly after graduating Mynor started at Durty Nellie’s as a prep cook. Proving his hard work and dedication to the team, he was promoted to line cook where he executed meal orders efficiently. After working in restaurants for several years, Mynor continued to pursue his career in culinary arts and transitioned to senior care. Throughout Mynor’s journey in senior care, he was able to start as a Sous Chef at Symphony of Hanover Park before moving on to a new opportunity at Endeavor Health.

Mynor is now in a leading role as Sous Chef/Supervisor at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital where he consistently executes catering events, retail management, ordering, and care for patients. Mynor leads a team of twenty cooks as well as inventory staff that serve over 1400 meals per day.

Additional information

RECIPE TYPE

Culinary Competition Finalist

NUTRITIONALS

10-20g fat, 300-500cal/portion, 500-750mg sodium