In the Kitchen with Alex

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THE GREAT GRETNA PLATE

Mount Gretna Fire Hall

March 29, 2026 from 3-5 p.m.

Tickets required

On Sunday, March 29, Mount Gretna Magazine hosts the Great Gretna Plate — a lively, Chopped-inspired cooking competition. Join us for an afternoon of community, laughter, and good-natured culinary rivalry as three local amateur cooks compete for the winning dish.

Advance tickets are $15 (cash) at Porch & Pantry — and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

MEET THE COMPETITORS

Next up is Alex Kinzey, aka KoolAid, an avid mountain biker (and coach) who regularly volunteers to maintain the trails he loves. Alex and his family have lived in Gretna's Timber Hills neighborhood for fourteen years. According to friends, he is also known for fostering “community shenanigans” including winter games on top of the frozen lake. Let's learn more about Alex, in his own words:

What do you like best about Gretna? The community. Gretna’s residents care and love. That culmination snowballs into a fun and peaceful feeling in everyday interactions and activities here.

Who taught you to cook? Well, I’m not too much of a cook. My mother, friends, and wife have taught me a few things in the kitchen over the years, but my cooking quiver is rather light.

What’s one ingredient you can’t live without? Black pepper.

What food could you eat every day? Bell & Evans chicken nuggets.

What food would you eliminate from existence if you could? Olives.

What do friends and family say about your personality in the kitchen? Where is he? (Because I’m not usually the one cooking.) When I do cook, I would say matter of fact personality … working to feed us.

Share a kitchen disaster story if you have one. Many instances of leaving things in the oven too long, letting water boil over, and make a mess.

Favorite dish/food to make? Good ol' fashioned pea soup. Super simple to make and the taste brings me back to childhood.

Most intimidating food (and have you attempted it yet)? Baking. The chemistry is a whole new ball game. It is a shame, because my middle name is literally Baker. I made pizza for my now wife on one of our first dates, and I’ve been afraid to attempt the dough since … even though that pizza came out fine.

Favorite drink while cooking? Whole milk. I have milk while eating a meal at home, too.

Sweet or savory? Savory.

Butter or olive oil? Depends on what we’re having it with — but probably butter more so than olive oil.

Follow the recipe or improvise? RECIPE. Unless it’s making a batch of chili. That’s fun to improvise!

Cast iron or nonstick? Non-stick for the easier cleanup.

Apron or no apron? No apron. I like to live on the edge.

Wash as you go or big sinkful at the end? Wash as I go. It fools me into thinking there were less dishes to do.

Cook with music or silence? Definitely music.

Best kitchen dance song? "You May Be Right" by Billy Joel.

What’s something surprising about you that has nothing to do with cooking? I am mediocre at sewing and knitting. I am big into cycling and anything with two wheels.

Why did you say yes to this competition? Because I think it will be interesting to see how a fella who hardly cooks does in a cooking competition. Also, my community asked me, and I love my community!

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Want to see Alex in action? Be sure to purchase your ticket at Porch & Pantry before we sell out. And check the Stories section at MountGretnaMagazine.org to meet Alex's competition!

This event is co-sponsored by Porch & Pantry.