Chefs from a pair of Delaware County restaurants were among the participants testing one another’s culinary skills at the Solana Willistown’s recent third annual chef showdown, writes Adam Farence for the Daily Times.

Giuseppe Cardillo from La Locanda Ristorante in Newtown Square and Brian Morris from Stinger’s Restaurant and Bar in Secane competed, pushing the other’s creative ability.

The chefs had to, in some way, incorporate watermelon into their meals. It was the first time some of the dozen senior citizens and four judges ever saw grilled watermelon.

The chef showdown is part of a larger series of showdowns held in assisted living homes owned by Atria across the country, and events like these are a way to build community, both inside and outside assisted living homes.

“July is culinary arts month, and each year we come up with a special challenge for our culinary team,” said Donna Herbst, one of the judges for this year’s competition.

Morris won first place. He said, prior to preparing a meal or coming up with a new dish, he often walks through a supermarket to look for inspiration.

“Whatever grabs your attention,” he said.

Cardillo, a 30-year chef veteran, said preparing meals comes naturally after spending such a long time in the industry.

“It comes easy when you’ve been doing it for so long,” he said.

Click here to read more about the chef showdown in the Daily Times.