09/18/2025

Otterbein SeniorLife Chef Wins Final Cook-Off at Diced in Dayton

Chef James Blythe of Otterbein SeniorLife in Lebanon took top honors at the final cook-off of Miami Valley Meals’ “Diced in Dayton” competition, held last week in Dayton.

Modeled after the Food Network’s Chopped, the event challenges chefs to create dishes from mystery ingredient boxes—reflecting the way Miami Valley Meals transforms unpredictable food donations into meals for those in need. Blythe impressed the judges with a corn tamale filled with shredded turkey, wrapped in fresh corn husk, and topped with candied cabbage and cilantro. In the final round, he prepared a winning dish using ahi tuna, couscous, pickled ginger, and watermelon radish.

The evening raised an estimated $69,000 to support Miami Valley Meals’ mission of preparing and distributing meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity across the Dayton region.

Read the full story in the Dayton Daily News.