Parsippany Chef Finalist for National Contest

One of Parsippany’s own is in the hunt for some nationwide recognition, courtesy of Cooking Light magazine.

Chef Matthew Pierone of  at 136 Baldwin Rd. in the Baldwin Plaza is one of eight finalists in the publication's 2012 Trailblazing Chef Awards contest in the category of Neighborhood Chef.

Voting runs through July 3.

Pierone told Patch that he is excited by the possibility of being honored by a well-known national magazine.

“It’s very exciting; I’m definitely honored,” he said. “I’m extremely happy to be nominated. It just shows that people in town feel highly enough about me to the take time to nominate me, so that’s a great feeling.”

Pierone and Gourmet Café are well-known in the community for their charitable work. Following August’s Hurricane Irene that flooded much of Parsippany and the surrounding area, the restaurant did its part to help by holding a “Flood Relief Day.”

“We raised $2800 and donated 100 percent of sales,” said Pierone, who explained that the proceeds went to benefit local Kiwanis and Rotary clubs during the storm recovery. “My staff donated all of their tips, as well.”

“I think that was part of the reason why I was nominated,” Pierone continued. “We’ve done many things with community.”

Pierone tries to be just as accommodating with the dishes served at the eatery, which, he said, may have also been a factor in his nomination for the award.

“It’s also a reflection of being flexible," he said. "I’m very flexible with the dietary requests. We have a no-salt and gluten-free menu.” 

Pierone refused to take all of the credit, though. Much of it, he told Patch, belongs to the employees he has on staff.

“I have a great staff,” Pierone said. “You can’t work alone; you have to have great food and great service. Service is a key ingredient as well.”

All of these factors have brought Gourmet Café—and Pierone—to the cusp of national glory. Currently, the Facebook-based online contest has more than 146,000 “Likes," which provides a large amount of exposure for the restaurateur and his culinary creations.

Win or lose, Pierone said the contest is sure to inform people of the work Gourmet Café does.

“I definitely feel it will help raise profile of restaurant. It’s up there online, and the last time I looked, they had 146,000 likes for this contest,” Pierone said. “That many people have seen Gourmet Café up on there, and they’re from all over the country.”

Participants can vote in the contest once per day through July 3.

To vote for Pierone or find out more information on the Trailblazing Chef Awards, visit the event’s Facebook page.