---
title: WBC Judge- Barbara Houle
---

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## Barbara Houle, *Worcester Telegram & Gazette*, Table Hoppin'

### WBC 2020 Judge

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Barbara M. Houle is the retired food editor of the *Worcester Telegram & Gazette* in Worcester, working there more than 35 years as a reporter and editor. She currently freelances a weekly column, “Table Hoppin,” and a Sunday column,  
“Meet the Chef” for the T&G. She writes two columns in the newspaper’s quarterly, *Worcester Living* magazine, in addition to food and travel stories. She also has written for other national and local publications. 

During her career, Barbara has garnered numerous awards, including the  
Massachusetts Dietetic Association’s Media Excellence Award; The Massachusetts  
Agricultural Day Award; and the Massachusetts Fruit Association’s Dr. Ronald J.  
Prokopy Award, both in recognition for her support, viability and sustainability of  
the agricultural industry in Massachusetts, to name a few. 

She has judged food competitions for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association,  
Pillsbury Bake-Off, national barbecue and chili cook-offs, etc. She has judged  
alongside food icons, such as Julia Child. Local food contests have included chicken  
to Girl Scout cookie desserts and “everything” in between. 

Barbara has served on community boards, including the Worcester County Food  
Bank, and continues to be an advisory board member for the culinary arts program  
at Worcester Technical High School. She is member of the Les Amis d'Escoffier  
Society, Joseph Donon Chapter. She has not only been privileged to interview celebrity chefs, but also has been a dinner guest in their homes.

Barbara looks forward to the 2019 WBC competition and what chefs bring to the  
table.

## Worcester's Best Chef 2020

## January 26, 2020

Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA

5pm until 8pm

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