Traverse City native Montanna Brumfield competes for $25,000 on Food Network
TRAVERSE CITY — Chef Montanna Brumfield, a Traverse City native, is bringing Northern Michigan flavor to the national stage as a contestant on Season 13 of the Food Network’s “Holiday Baking Championship.” Brumfield is competing against fellow bakers for a $25,000 cash prize on the pre-recorded competition season currently airing. Brumfield studied culinary arts at Northwestern Michigan College and now owns Sirene Noowar, a business in Palm Coast, Fla., offering luxury culinary experiences. Her passion for cooking began in early childhood long before she pursued formal training in her hometown. Growing up in Traverse City, Brumfield developed an early connection to local traditions, recalling that she made her mother a champagne lobster dinner at 5 years old. “So growing up in traverse, literally born and raised I mean, what’s not to love about growing up in Traverse City?” Brumfield said. “The summers, all you smell is bonfire in the air, s’mores, cherry buds. I was a cherry Festival princess back in my day.” Brumfield moved to Florida during her sophomore year of high school but returned to Michigan after graduation to study culinary arts. “That’s when I really got my footing, into the culinary scene,” Brumfield said. Food Network producers
