The competition was fierce.
The judging was brutal.
The sandwiches were tasty.
Victoria’s Delights held it’s first-ever sandwich contest March 4 in the hopes of adding three new creations to the downtown Oxford bistro’s menu.
‘Usually, I do the recipes myself,? said owner Victoria Connelly. ‘I always end up using the same ingredients because I have the same tastes. I wanted a fresh perspective.?
After nine years in Oxford, where she made a name for herself with her popular roll-up sandwiches, Connelly said she’s ‘looking for a new twist.?
Seven of Connelly’s employees invented and entered a combined 30 sandwich recipes in the contest which was judged ? to keep it fair ? by 13 of Victoria’s Delights? most loyal patrons.
With employees doing the creating and customers handling the judging, Connelly said said the contest was a sure recipe to garner ‘a good variety of ideas? as opposed to ‘what I want to make and what I want to eat.?
All the sandwiches had to be served on either a French croissant or Italian panini. ‘Those work well with the European bistro theme,? Connelly said.
A majority of ingredients utilized in the sandwiches had to be already in use at the eatery on a regular basis.
‘They were only allowed to use one ingredient not found in the restaurant,? Connelly said.
After two hours of delicious judging, Kayla Kolean, a junior at Oxford High School, took first place and $50 cash with her veggie panini consisting of artichoke, tomato, feta cheese, pesto and black olives.
‘She’s a strict (vegan),? said Connelly, noting a good number of her customers are vegetarians.
Kolean’s worked at Victoria’s Delight for more than two years doing prep work in the kitchen and helping with the catering side of the business.
Connelly said it’s amazing Kolean finds time to create sandwiches considering she volunteers at a veterinarian clinic in Lakeville, plays in the OHS Marching and Symphonic bands, runs cross country, plays soccer and maintains an A-average.
Winning second place and $25 cash was Marie Miller with her pizza panini which consisted of ham, salami, pepperoni, sausage, marinara sauce, onion, peppers and provolone cheese.
Miller is an Oxford resident, mother of two (Erik, 18, and Nick, 14) and has been a waitress at Victoria’s Delights for nearly a year. She said her sandwich is based on a calzone.
The bronze medal and a $25 gift certificate went to OHS senior Todd Butler for his chicken Caesar panini which consisted of grilled, seasoned chicken, romaine lettuce, herbed cream cheese, parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing.
Butler worked at Victoria’s Delights for more than two years and worked his way up from a dishwasher to a line cook. When he’s not working, Butler is taking Advanced Placement classes at OHS or weight-lifting.
In the fall, Butler will begin studying engineering at the University of Michigan.
The first, second and third place sandwiches will become permanent additions to Victoria’s menu.
As for the other 27 recipes, Connelly said she will review the judge’s written comments and scores, then use some of them as featured specials.
‘I think we had great participation (in the contest),? she said.
One thing’s for sure, the real winners are Victoria’s customers who get to enjoy these wonderful new sandwiches again and again.