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Local celebrity chefs make Riggies in Riggiefest Media Cook-Off

By By ANDREW DONOVAN

Story Created: Apr 23, 2010 at 4:57 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 23, 2010 at 7:38 PM EDT

ROME, N.Y. (WKTV) - Celebrity chefs faced off Friday, a day ahead of Riggiefest, for the annual Media Cook-off at Rome City Hall.

Local media representatives brought their best Chicken Riggie dishes to the table for a blind taste test. NEWSChannel 2's Pat Bailey was among Friday's competition.

The samples were numbered so the judges would not know who made them.

The original founder of Riggiefest, David Gibson, was one of the judges. Gibson said, "It's just between you and me and a million people that are listening right now but I liked #2 the best. I'm not sure who has #2 was but #2 was outstanding."

It turns out sample #2 was Pat Bailey's recipe. He took home the Top Riggie award and an apron. NEWSChanne 2 seems to always have some Chicken Riggie talent. Last year, Meteorologist Bill Kardas took home to the Top Riggie and in 2008, Susan Campbell won.

Riggiefest takes place Saturday at the Utica Memorial Auditorium. The doors open at noon and tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids.

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