This summer, Vitamix asked food service professionals and mixologists: “How Does Vitamix Inspire You?” Those who answered it by submitting a 250-word essay had a shot at winning two Vitamix commercial blenders of their choice.
Richard Biondo, corporate chef at 5 Napkin Burger in Brooklyn, N.Y., shared his story of how Vitamix inspired him on the job and, in the process, won the Grand Prize for his testimonial. Biondo wrote:
“My story starts out with chive oil, circa 1989. The whole culinary world was making flavored oil, especially herb-infused ones. My chef insisted we make chive oil for a salmon dish, which we did. We would steal the bar blender and use it, scraping down the side and burning out the rubber gaskets. The result was always worth it, but it was a difficult task.
Fast forward … I am in the chef position at a new restaurant and read an article by Wylie Dufresne about how he used his Vita-Prep. Thinking back to the chive oil, I convinced my boss to purchase one. From day one, my creative juices never stopped. The amount of time it takes to make anything with it is unbelievable … it allows you to things that were next to impossible back when I started out.”
The Vitamix Inspires contest, which launched at the 2011 National Restaurant Association show in Chicago, builds upon the company’s long-time commitment to foster a distinct personal connection with its customers. Both users in the foodservice industry and establishment operators were eligible to enter the contest by submitting essays that addressed the theme, “Vitamix Inspires” and detailed how using Vitamix products have boosted creativity, ingenuity and quality in their establishments.
“We enjoyed reading all of the contest entries, which further prove that our customers are loyal, creative and truly appreciate using the highest quality tools in their kitchens,” says Rula Stamatis, marketing manager for Vitamix. “We extend our congratulations to Chef Biondo and thank him and all contest entrants for sharing their personal experiences with us about how Vitamix products make their jobs easier, heir food better and inspires them in their kitchen. This contest allowed us to be able to share firsthand our customers’ enthusiasm and passion for their craft.”
Source: Vitamix
