GSLA Celebrates Culinary Excellence at Annual Culinary Competition

ATLANTA, GA — 10/31/25  The Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA) proudly hosted its annual Culinary Competition sponsored by AdvantageTrust during the 27th Annual Conference & Trade Show in Savannah, spotlighting the exceptional talent, creativity, and dedication of chefs serving the senior living community. 

This year’s competition featured five outstanding chefs, each presenting their unique interpretation of the classic Airline Cut Chicken dish:

• Chef Jason Cecala, Orchard at Athens, Athens, GA
• Chef Kelvin Harris, Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill Independent Living, Dacula, GA
• Chef Stephanie Starege, The Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place, Atlanta, GA
• Chef Robbie Pacheco, Corso, Atlanta, GA
• Chef Manny Lasprilla, Oaks at Gracemont, Cumming, GA

Competitors were tasked with creating three identical plates within 40 minutes, using the same utensils, cooking equipment, and pantry ingredients, plus one personal ingredient of their choice. Each dish was then evaluated by a panel of judges across four categories: Organization, Presentation, Workmanship, and Taste - ensuring that both creativity and technical skill were recognized.

After a closely contested and exciting event, Chef Stephanie Starege, Certified Dietary Manager at The Terraces at Peachtree Hills Place, was crowned 2025 GSLA Chef of the Year. 

"I was so proud to win, not just for my community but as a woman in a male-dominated industry,” Shared Chef Stephanie. “Representing my family with my Jamaican Jerk Chicken dish makes this especially meaningful - it’s a testament to the quality dining we strive to provide."

“Dining is one of the most defining aspects of senior living - it’s where community, culture, and care all come together,” said Catie Ramp, President & CEO of GSLA. “The GSLA Culinary Competition demyths the idea that senior living food options are limited.  The Competition also celebrates the professionals who turn every meal into an experience of connection and joy - Chef Stephanie exemplifies that spirit beautifully.”

The GSLA Culinary Competition is designed not only to highlight individual talent but also to underscore the importance of dining experiences in senior living. Exceptional meals play a vital role in enhancing residents’ dignity and quality of life. The Competition celebrates chefs’ creativity, skill, and commitment to providing meaningful and memorable dining experiences.