I have to preface this post with the fact that we should all be so lucky to have a warm meal every night, but this is not the case. Meals on Wheels provides when one cannot. This event, like others in its history, are so important for continuing this service. It was an honor to be there and to see so many people attend and participate in the festivities, all the while ensuring one more person has a hot meal tonight.
Ok, with that said. The 2010 Celebrity Chef Ball was fabulous! So much to do in so little time: dancing, eating, silent auction, casino action, painting (yes – they had a “paint bar” where you painted your very own creation – thanks to Bottles & Brushes). A great band, mixologists and bartenders were outstanding, and what a list of top shelf chefs! I wish I could say I had everything served Saturday night, but let’s be honest…50 stations and more! No one went home hungry or thirsty Saturday night – there was something for everyone! Let’s get down to it; my (short) picks of the night, in no special order.
Tim Scott/Macys had what he called an “open-faced butter poached BLT” – what it came down to be was a lobster BLT – you can’t go wrong there. At first thought was that you would lose the flavor of the lobster with the bacon, but the bacon really played out in the end as texture more than anything.
Scott Walton/Markethouse, “smoked duck, mission fig, raisin jam, and pine nut brittle”. This was actually served on a bed of frisee, and was delicious! Figs are just at the end of the season, duck season (no wabbit season!) is upon us, excellent use of seasonal ingredients chef.
James Gottwald/Rockit Bar and Grill, “Rockit burger with Kobe beef, brie, fried shallot, and medjool date aioli”. This is hands down the sweetest burger I have ever had – it was almost a desert. The sweetness of all four parts really paired off one another fabulously.
Stephanie Izard /Girl and the Goat, “Walter’s Chicken”, another great creation from the talented and creative chef, lots of different flavors and textures that came together well.
Sweets… Sarah Levy/Sarah’s Pastries & Candies, rich handmade chocolate delights and a beautiful display, and Patty Rothman/More had delicious cupcakes and chocolate bites as well.
It was a fantastic night full of flavor, talent, and more importantly a giving spirit. As we all compared our hand painted artwork on the elevator ride down, it was agreed that a good time was had by all. Thanks Meals on Wheels Chicago and everyone working the event for a fabulous night!
Cheers!
