Sunday, May 19, 2013

Chefs" Tour of Dream Kitchens

Chef Shubert Ho, Bar Dojo and Shooby Doo Catering
Yesterday was my friend Susan's birthday and I had gotten us tickets to attend the Chefs' Tour of Dream Kitchens here in my town of Edmonds, Washington.  This tour is always great fun and a hot ticket as there are only 70 spaces available.  It is put on each year by the Edmonds Center for the Arts as a fund raiser (and kudos to Nancy Fleck for thinking up the idea in the first place and then organizing it so beautifully and running it each year).  Basically what happens is that "they" take you around in a comfy van, from beautiful home to beautiful home (and, boy, do those homes have dream kitchens), where chefs from local restaurants demo a dish and then you get to eat it.  They pass out the recipes, too!  And wine.  Did I mention the wine?

Above we have Chef Shubert Ho, from Bar Dojo, one of my favorite places to dine in town.  He made beef satay with spicy peanut sauce and it was delicious.  I love satay!

Chef Bill Pennington, Arnie's of Edmonds
Chef Pennington made Prawns en Croute.  He had two very fine helpers, one of whom was only 10 years old. (I chose not to show her photo as I don't have her parents permission.  Trust me, she was adorable in her chef's whites!)

My friends Jeri Hamilton and Susan Penning

Darin Since, The Loft Cafe and Social Lounge
Chef Since made a delicious Braised Pork Belly with Gnocchi and Apple Brandy Gastric that was spectacular.  It only takes two full days to prepare....time well spent, judging from the results!

one of the Tim Morris, Epulo Bistro
Chef Morris made a fantastic Burrata Cheese that was unusual and yummy.  He served it on toasted baguette with a salad of grape tomatoes, lightly dressed, and a chiffonade of basil.

Tim and his daughter and able assistant
The last chef was Jordan Schey.  He made really good crab cakes with a Wasabi Cilantro Viniagrette.  Let me tell you, that sauce was fine.  It made a good dish great.

Jordan Schey, Hills Restaurant
Susan and I had a great time.  So much so, in fact, that I  have already purchased tickets for next year's tour.