A team of five culinary professionals from Tryon Estates/ACTS Retirement-Life Community in Columbus recently traveled to Matthews to participate in a Battle for Best culinary competition to benefit The Samaritan Fund for seniors in need.

Led by executive chef Daniel Starbird, Desmond Young, Brett Carpenter, Amanda Walker and Tara Babb represented Matthews and took a close second, losing by a mere six points.

Three Carolina retirement community teams battled for best. Tryon Estates went head-to-head in front of live cameras and three celebrity judges who scrutinized the flavor, taste, texture, creativity, ingredient compatibility and presentation. Pans were flying, sauces bubbling and chef hats hopping during the timed competition.

Each team prepared a three-course meal in front of an audience of 100 seniors, who are known to be tough critics when it comes to food. The seniors sampled each creation and voted electronically for their favorite.

To add a little spice to the event, inspired by the “Iron Chef” reality show, a secret ingredient was added (banana). The benefit took place at Plantation Estates in Matthews and has raised more than $4,000 for the Samaritan Fund since the contest began in Florida.

“The competition was fierce, and we’re so proud of our team,” said Tryon Lindabury who traveled across the state with a dozen others to cheer on his favorite chefs.

The Tryon Estates team menu included sweet plantation crab salad appetizer; Velvet Elvis stuffed chicken with ginger carrots topped with a light banana cream sauce as an entrée and banana pudding cheesecake for dessert.

Residents surveyed at Tryon Estates, whose life care plan includes a four-course dinner from a choice of six to eight entrees each night, indicate a significant health benefit can be attributed to the culinary program.