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A NEW Hands-On Feast for UCP and Memphis Best Chefs
The 500 or so guests who attended UCP’s “3 Course Feast” on January 25th, 2009 at the Holiday Inn U of M were not only able to taste food from Memphis’ top 20 chefs, they were also able to watch and learn how these culinary experts create their signature dishes. This year the annual fundraiser, formerly known as the “Great Chef’s Tasting,” incorporated a host, John Bragg of Circa, a new venue, and a more hands-on approach, including everything from center stage demos to wine and beer pairings. Chefs also met and mingled with guests and prepared food for all their tastings on site.
At the end of the evening and as the new name implies, awards were given to the chefs that prepared the best three courses, appetizer, entrée, and dessert. The winners were decided by votes cast throughout the evening by those who attended. David Krog from the Tennessean won Best Appetizer for his Lobster Lollipops and Giacomo Ciabattini from Café Toscana won both best entrée and dessert for his Italian masterpieces.
For the first year to throw an event of this nature, it was a true success. It did exactly what Jordyn Matthews, Development Associate of Special Events and Marketing, envisioned it to accomplish. “It raised money and awareness for UCP and their programs while highlighting Memphis chefs and restaurants who give so much time and resources to the Memphis community, not just UCP,” states Matthews. It was an opportunity for chefs to advertise and promote themselves to a public who may not have otherwise heard of their establishments or patronized these local entrepreneurs before.
The following Memphis chefs and restaurants participated: John Bragg from Circa, Patrick Reilly from Majestic Grille, Erling Jensen from Erling Jensen’s, Karen Carrier from do, Noodle, Doodle, Do, The Beauty Shop, Mollie Fontaine’s Lounge, and Another Roadside Attraction Catering, Nick Scott from Bluefin, Brett “Shaggy” Duffee from Equestria, Kelly English from Restaurant Iris, Rick Saviori from Ciao Bella, David Krog from the Tennessean, Bobby Baker and Ben Adams from Napa Café, Clint Boutwell from Orleans of Front, Chris Windsor from Grill 83, Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman from AM Italian Kitchen, Rick Farmer from Jarret’s, Giacomo Ciabattini from Café Toscana, Jason Severs from Bari, David Johnson from McEwen’s on Monroe, Felicia Willet from Felicia Suzanne’s, and Reinaldo Alfonso from Chez Philippe.
In addition to the food, a silent and live auction took place with much success, with items such as Mednikow jewelry to an opportunity to play a round of golf with the chefs. At the end of the night when the tables were cleared, those who attended were able to leave not only satisfied by the food and beverage served, but also in the fact that they helped support one of the Mid-South’s leading non-profits in providing opportunities for all individuals with disabilities.
Thank you to the following 2009 sponsors:
Beverages: D. Canale, Southwestern Distributors, Pepsi America, AS Barboro and Sam Adams, Victor L. Robilio Co. and Smirnoff Liquor, DBI Distributors, and High Point Coffee
Sponsors: WREG News Channel 3, Chef’s Supply and Design, EMHC (Emergency Mobile Health Care), United Access, Glass Seating and Mobility, Performance Food Group Batesville, Ben E. Keith, Walmart, and Q107.5
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