The
Story
There
is probably
no better
measure of
a chef's
talent than
to give him
or her free
reign to
create a
dish, without
restriction,
from a specific
ingredient.
With 10 days
to contemplate
the best,
most intriguing
use of nuts, 20
chefs from
around the
region created
four dishes
designed
to wow the
judges with
their creativity
and skill.
After the
qualifying
round, the
two top finalists--Executive
Chef Budi
Kazali from
The Ballard
Inn in the
Santa Ynez
Valley and
Executive
Chef Christophe
Grosjean
from L'Auberge
Carmel--met
in a head
to head cook-off
at the Idler's
Appliance
showroom
in Paso Robles.
The
Pre-Party
Two-hundred
CCM® readers,
friends,
and clients
mingled while
tasting a
sampling
of seven
high-scoring
dishes from
the initial
round of
competition.
To accompany
these delectable
appetizers
and desserts,
guests also
enjoyed a
selection
of award-winning
wines from
Adelaida
Cellars.
In addition
to the delicious
food and
wine, guests
had the opportunity
to participate
in CCM® 's
raffle benefitting
the Food
Bank Coalition
of San Luis
Obispo County.
Prizes include
spa retreats,
shopping
sprees, a
wine basket
and much
more. CCM® even
got the two
finalist
chefs involved
in the raffle.
Two lucky
guests scored
grand prizes
including
a getaway
to the Ballard
Inn with
dinner prepared
by Chef Budi
Kazali and
a getaway
to L'Auberge
with a dinner
prepared
by Chef Christophe
Grosjean.
The
Cook-off
Clients
watched as
the two top
contenders
prepared
their creations
made with
a new ingredient:
the lowly
but lovely almond. Racing
the clock,
Chef Budi
Kazali and
Chef Christophe
Grosjean
each presented
four rounds
of perfectly-crafted
dishes for
the judges
to taste.
When the
intense battle
ended, CCM® left
everyone
in suspense,
wondering
who would
be crowned
the 2009
Ultimate
Chef.
The
Judges
Anne Vidor
Editorial
Director, Central
Coast Magazine
Kristin
Gillespie
Managing
Editor, Central
Coast Magazine
Evan Treadwell
Executive
Chef, Lido
Restaurant
at the Dolphin
Bay Resort
and Spa
CCM® 's
2008 Ultimate
Chef Central
Coast
Kathy Marcks
Hardesty
Food
and Wine
Writer/Critic, Central
Coast Magazine, New
Times
Phillip
Riccomini
Executive/Head
Chef & Culinary
Arts Instructor,
Cuesta College
and Paso
Robles High
School
Jeff
Olsson
Executive
Chef/Owner,
New West
Catering
Tony Baker
Chef/Partner,
Montrio Bistro
Ryan Swarthout
Executive
Chef, Summerwood
Inn and Winery
Pamela Treadwell
Food
and Beverage
Industry
Professional/Hospitality
Consultant
A special thanks to those who
made this event possible
Our
Sponsors
And...
Adonis Cruz,
Picture Stable
Debbie Duggan,
Central Coast
Culinary
Monterey
Street Wine
Co.
Spencer's
Fresh Markets
Merry
Maids of
San Luis
Obispo
Got You
Cover'd
Chef Phillip
Ricommini
and Paso
Robles Culinary
Arts Academy
students
Bobby Frye,
Chris Conte,
and Lucas
Rose
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