Troy chef bows to UAB in Battle of the Chefs

Ramen noodles were the secret ingredient that took down Troy University Executive Chef Clay Lyles during the Battle of the Chefs.

Lyles was pitted against UAB Executive Chef Adrian Cordes for the challenge that took place outside Legion Field Saturday morning before the Trojans and the Blazers helped kick-off football season in Alabama.

Both chefs are Sodexo employees and the company arranged the friendly competition for bragging rights as a creative marketing idea.

Although the two had never met before, Lyles and Cordes went head to head underneath two tents and crafted dishes with the use of a six-foot grill they shared and two propane stove eyes.

Each chef was allowed one assistant and the use of basic pantry items provided that included spices, vegetables and some proteins.

The competition lasted about an hour and the winner was announced at halftime of the game that was ultimately won by the Trojans.

Lyle’s competition overtook him, but that might have been because four of the five judges were UAB fans.

The competition was all in fun and Lyles said he’d like a rematch when UAB plays at Troy next football season.

Lyles has been employed with Sodexo at Troy more than two years and boasts an impressive resume. He has culinary training from Jefferson State Community College, benefited from an apprenticeship at Cafe Bottega under respected chef Frank Stitt, snagged corporate training through Applebee’s and O’Charley’s.

Prior to the competition, Lyles said he was pleased to represent the Trojans and Troy University.