This past Tuesday in Ferris Booth Commons, guest writer Tyche Rose attended “Dining in Eggcellence,” an omelet-making contest hosted by Columbia Dining.

Although “Dining in Eggcellence” wasn’t on my radar until Bwog dispatched me to cover the event, I arrived at Ferris to find a surprising amount of publicity. Notebook in hand, I had to elbow my way to the front amid camera flashes and rowdy students. Several Columbia officials were present, all donning chef’s toques embroidered with the title “Culinary Captain.” The audience was spirited and amiable. Columbia Interim President Katrina Armstrong and three cooks—the afternoon’s contestants—stood alert. Ferris dining hall workers were ecstatic to meet me and explain the event.

I was immediately introduced to Christina Apollonio, Director of Operations of John Jay Dining Hall and JJ’s Place. I learned that Interim President Armstrong, in her days as a Yale student, ran the school’s omelet bar. Armstrong hatched the plan for this event after meeting Columbia’s dining hall staff and challenging them to an omelet and egg-cracking competition. Columbia Dining responded by identifying three short-order line cooks to each represent a major dining hall—Dean Johnson from Ferris Booth Commons, Charlie White from JJ’s Place, and Yendy Acosta from John Jay.

The event kicked off with the egg-crack competition. Judged by the legendary Chef Mike, the four contestants competed to crack the most eggs in one minute with the least amount of shell landing in the bowls. Living up to her surname, Armstrong secured her win with a double-hand technique, cracking around 40 eggs (the other cooks landed in the 30-range).

For the second part of the competition, the cooks competed to serve up the best omelets to the roost of students and staff. While Armstrong also participated in the omelet-making, this competition was solely between the three cooks. As Apollonio confided, Armstrong was “really teaching them” how to concoct the omelets. The cooks cracked jokes as they scrambled to serve their creations. Armstrong clucked with disapproval at their sloppy presentation—“Where’s the French in you?” 

I grabbed Cook Charlie’s first omelet. Characterized as “the scramble,” it was a mix of egg, cheese, tomato, onion, and mushroom. I won’t lie, I’m no food critic; nonetheless, I thought this omelet was pretty good. 

Although Chef Mike would be determining the winner, attendees were invited to cast votes for their favorite omelet. A responsible voter, I endeavored to try each cook’s omelet before voicing my opinion. Sadly, I soon realized this was impossible, as Charlie’s omelet just about filled me to capacity. I did however snag one of Armstrong’s, her last of the day, and I have to tell you: with its generous cheese and perfect half-moon shape, her omelet was inarguably the best.

The final results? Charlie of JJs’ Place won the title for first. (JJ’s, I never doubted you.) Ferris’ Dean Johnson and John Jay’s Yendy Acosta took home second and third place, respectively. Grinning and exalting me as his first taster, Charlie shook my hand and brandished his gold medal.

The event was a huge hit with the dining hall staff. Kristina Hernandez, Executive Director of Marketing at Columbia, noted that the cooks had great fun and that it “means a lot” to them that Armstrong has been taking the time to connect with the Columbia community. After my two omelets, I was painfully full, but such are the sacrifices investigative journalists make. It was worth it, anyway, for the free merch offerings—I’m now the proud owner of a slate gray Gildan heavy cotton #FERRISFOREVER t-shirt.

Header via Tyche Rose