Bump, Set, Spike: The First Annual Let's Get Spiked Volleyball Tournament
Before the pressure of Burger Bash and Best of the Best really set in Friday night, Spike Mendelsohn gathered some of the best chefs for some friendly competition in his first-ever Let's Get Spiked Volleyball Tournament on the beach. Comprised of four teams, there was no shortage of smack-talking, interesting uniforms and creative team names:
Team Dolphins: Josh Capon, Andrew Zimmern, Chuck Hughes and Kris Wessel
Team Love Machine: Justin Warner, Pat LaFrieda, Jr., Tim Love and Adrianne Calvo
Team Goose Dies in the End: Jeff Mauro, Stephanie Izard and Curtis Stone
Team Beach Cutlets: Johnny Iuzzini, Todd Erickson, Spike Mendelsohn and Edward Lee
Rumor had it that the chef to watch out for was Curtis Stone, but after the tournament got underway, my eye was on Tim Love, who would dive for the ball just about every set.
In an instant elimination match, Team Dolphins took the first round against Team Goose Dies in the End. Round two only intensified with Team Beach Cutlets verses Team Love Machine. It looked grim for Team Goose, but Justin Warner's unbeatable serves brought them back into the game and claimed the win.
In the end, Team Dolphins gained the bragging rights after winning 25 to 17 against Team Love Machine.
While Justin's team lost, I claimed his sunglasses the winning shades of the afternoon (pictured right).