The first thing that I want to say is, I love this event!  The hardest part for me to convey to somebody that’s never been, is just how cool it is.  It’s not just another foodie event.  This is a production.  The Viejas team builds stages, they bring sound, lighting, flat screens, a huge projector screen, etc., and Dacor brings two cooking lines.  Two teams of five chefs compete with some crazy challenge ingredients to create as one judge put it, “The best dinner of the year.”

This years challenge ingredients were Monkfish, King Crab, Geoduck Clams, Flatiron Steak, and Pom pomegranete juice. Each team had one hour to create 5 different dishes using all of the ingredients at least once.  Amy Dibiases’ team took it  this year to beat out Paul McCabes 4 year winning streak!  Not only do guests get to watch a great show, they get to eat fantastic food by some of the cities best restaurants (not to mention some excellent cocktail selections), they got  Sam The Cooking Guy and Chef Bernard Guilles as the entertaining MC’s, and the best part is that the food community comes together to help a great cause via the  Center for Community Solutions, or CCS.

If you weren’t able to attend this year, make a note to self that you need to go in 2010!

Team "A" Captain Paul McCabe from Kitchen 1540, Norma Martinez of El Virtual, Matt Gordon of Urban Solace, Alejandro Vicens of Harry's Bar and Grill and Augie Salcido of The Shores.

Team "B"Captain is Amy Diabiase of Roseville, Nathan Coulon of Quarter Kitchen (The Ivy), Joe Magnanelli of Cucina Urbana, Jay Payne of Cafe Japengo and Colin MacLaggen of Avenue 5.