Chef Cooks Up Winning Recipe in 'Battle for the Beach' Competition

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Southampton Chef Hector Franco cooked up a winning recipe and took home the grand prize at a "Chopped" - like competition at Suffolk County Community College, organizers said.

Franco won Suffolk County Community College’s "Battle for the Beach with a tasty pan seared chicken with natural au jus," a release from the college said.

The competition was held last Friday at the college's Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead.

Student contestants were presented with a mystery basket of ingredients that they had use to create a new dish in just 90 minutes.

"The competition is similar to the popular reality television show 'Chopped,' airing on the Food Network," a release said.

Chef Franco won a seven-night stay at the Sheraton Clearwater Beach Resort in Clearwater, FL and an opportunity to work under the supervision of the resort’s executive chef, the release said.

The prize includes round-trip airfare and ground transportation.

Photos courtesy of Suffolk County Community College.