Savor Challenge to the Chefs Results
Wow. As a judge for the Savor Nashville’s Challenge to the Chefs this weekend, I consumed some amazing food.
The “challenge” given to some of Nashville’s finest chefs was to create a dish utilizing two or more of the following ingredients: Goo Goo Clusters, Benton’s bacon, and Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Whiskey. Many of them went above and beyond and used all 3 ingredients. Some even created not one, but TWO dishes. Yes, you could say that I ate really well yesterday!
Here’s a quick look at the winners and a few others I just wanted you to see:
1st Place: Kevin Ramquist of F Scott’s
Benton’s Bacon Wrapped Local Beef Brisket with Jack Daniel’s Honey Glaze and Goo Goo Cluster Barbeque Sauce (first photo above)
Benton’s Bacon and Goo Goo Cluster Biscotti with Jack Daniel’s Honey, Bongo Java Coffee, Kahlua, and Cream
2nd Place: Jeremy Barlow of Tayst
Goo Goo Cannoli – Savory Benton’s Bacon Mousse, Ginger Jack Honey Glaze, Peanut Bacon Dirt
3rd Place: Thomas Cook of Prime 108 (at Union Station Hotel)
Benton’s Bacon Crunchy Lobster Roll with Jack Daniel’s Honey Wasabi paired with Jack Daniel’s Miso Honey Sea Bass with Benton’s Bacon Bok Choy Salad
People’s Choice Award: Brandon Frohne of Rutland Place Catering & Nashville Urban Gardeners
Unfortunately I don’t have a full description of this one. I either neglected to take a photo of their sign with details, or there wasn’t one on the table. Either way, just know that it was delicious!
There were two dishes, the first a savory Stuffed Porchetta and a deviled egg. There was whiskey perfume involved. That alone was awe-inspiring.
The second creation was a liquid nitrogen Coke float with Goo Goo Cluster bits. This one might have been dribbling down my chin because maybe I couldn’t resist turning it up to get every last drop. Just maybe.
A couple of my own “honorable mentions”:
Toby Willis of Nashville City Club
Chocolate Torte, Goo Goo Cluster Ganache, Peanut Butter Powder, Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Mousse, Benton’s Bacon-Bourbon Caramel Corn, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey Macerated Strawberries
Deb Paquette of Etch (coming soon!)
Moroccan Spiced “Hot Dogs” in a Smokey Bun with Bacon Peanut Crumble, Ginger “Mustard” and Strawberry Chili “ketchup”
Oh to have switched places with you for a day! That all looks INCREDIBLE.
Have you tried the Biscuit Heaven food truck yet? It was at the Franklin Farmers Market this weekend and it was the best biscuit I’ve ever eaten (photo here: http://lollingabout.wordpress.com/2012/05/21/things-we-love-local-food/ )
I think they said they’ve only been aorund about two weeks, but my husband and I are already diehard fans. Counting down the days until next Saturday!
You mean the Biscuit Love truck? Yes, I met Karl & his wife Sarah a while back and have been looking so forward to the launch of their truck! I got my first taste on Thursday night at Generous Helpings. Those biscuits are perfection!
I want your job. I want to judge the lusciousness! The end.
:-D
My husband, Matt, and I really enjoyed meeting you this weekend and are definitely hooked on this event. We are already excited for next year!
Loved meeting you guys too and hope to run into you again!
I had three of those coke floats. THREE.
The creativity and presentation from all the chefs was outstanding. I can imagine how difficult it was to choose favorites!
They were sooo good! I was really blown away by the inventiveness of so many of the dishes. This was one of the best competitions I’ve judged so far!
Glad you enjoyed the dish. The event was really fun.
FYI- my husband didn’t come to the event on Sunday. Yesterday he read my blog post and upon seeing the photo of your porchetta/egg said he thought he made a huge mistake by not coming! ;-)
Loved this event. I had two of those floats and two of Deb’s “hot dogs.” I went home incredibly stuffed. My favorite of the night was the chocolate heaven from Toby Willis of Nashville City Club. I’m surprised it didn’t place over some of the others. Kudos to all of them for the creativity and deliciousness, can’t wait for next year!
Oh my goodness, I loved that City Club creation. Caramel bacon popcorn will get me every time!
I will be doing some cooking demos later on in the season at the 12 South Farmers Market so maybe yall could come out for some more good eats.