Amping Up the Finals: Culinary Pro Judge Scores Count 70 Percent; Audience Scores Will Count 30

Got To Be NC Competition Dining announced a change in their judging strategy for the finals this week. Last night, tonight and tomorrow, culinary pro judges’ combined scores will be weighted at 70 percent. The public’s combined scores will be weighted at 30 percent.

“This keeps our competitors on their toes,” said founder and host Jimmy Crippen. Crippen had used the same strategy in the finals during past years for Fire on the Rock, the first competition Crippen hosted in Blowing Rock, NC. With the statewide competition in its first year, Got To Be NC Competition Dining agreed the change would provide yet another twist for the chef finalists.

“It also keeps things fair. Now with five culinary pros coming from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the state, no one can unduly influence the scores.”

The public vote will still be just as critical as it has always been to the contest. Diners and judges will be using the app designed by h.ITS to enter their scores on smart phones for each course. 

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