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Community Corner

Update: Executive Chef Christopher O'Harra, Grafton Native Competes at WBC 2014

Competing at Worcester’s Best Chef Competition this past Sunday January 26 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, Grafton native and resident Christopher O’Harra, Executive Chef of the Flying Rhino Café on Shrewsbury Street in Worcester wins the WXLO Perfect Palate Award! Chef O'Harra's winning dish was a Chipotle Salmon over Crab, Andouille Sausage Barley Jambalaya with a Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.  

Executive Chef Christopher O’Harra began his culinary career washing dishes at the age of fourteen years old for a small delicatessen and butchery in his home town of Grafton, MA. Throughout his seven year tenure at Grafton Meat & Deli, he worked his way up through each area of the business. It was there, he discovered his passion for creating soups from scratch and the feeling he got seeing guests really enjoy his creations. Reaching his culinary growth potential there, Chef Christopher ventured out into the world of Corporate Catering.

Working his way up again, Chef Christopher had the opportunity to work in a variety of kitchens both large and small, all the while using this opportunity to hone his craft. At the age of twenty four, he received his first Executive Chef position, serving twelve hundred guests a day with Sodexo Corporation. Chef Christopher also worked secondary culinary jobs throughout Worcester County to continue to improve his culinary skills, palette and most importantly restaurant experience.

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After growing and learning the corporate catering sector as much as he could, after six years he felt the time was right to fully venture into the restaurant world. Chef Christopher has held positions while continuing to climb upward at some of the areas premiere restaurants, but being the Executive Chef at the Flying Rhino Café has been a not only a culinary achievement for Chef Christopher, but it allows him to do what he does best, create. 

At the Flying Rhino Chef Christopher, along with the creative ownership team of Paul and Melina Barber and a talented culinary support staff he has been able to use all of his previous culinary experience to meld his creations into culinary delights that are delicious, eclectic and unique. To view some of Chef Christopher’s mouthwatering, seasonal menu go to http://www.flyingrhinocafe.com/menus/ and be sure to like their Facebook page for delectable daily specials www.facebook.com/flyingrhinocafeandwateringhole

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 If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to attend the WBC, it is a culinary showcase of the best of the best in Central Massachusetts. There a group of the top 22 Chefs bring their culinary amazement's to wow the judges, including local celebrity Chef Alina Eisenhauer, owner of Sweet, the general public and of course their peers. The event culminates with an Iron Chef style competition choosing the overall winner of the WBC. This year’s event is officially sold out but mark your calendars for next years event and be sure to visit the WBC website www.worcestersbestchef.com

The WBC isn't just a high energy, foodie dream come true it is also a charitable event that “supports culinary arts education by raising much needed funding for culinary arts students at Worcester Technical High School” according to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WorcestersBestChef

Join me in congratulating Chef Christopher and his peers for all of their hard work throughout this competition! 

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