Benefit for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBSCR) of the Capital Region Rocked the House!
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At one time, this event was sort of UTR…
No more!
It’s just too delicious. And while I have no official figures at this point, my eyeballs tell me that this had to be a record attendance at the Sixth Annual Chef’s Challenge, held at the Excelsior Ballroom on Thursday, June 29. The beneficiary is Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.
A big reason why this event is rising in popularity is its uniformly excellent offerings; which are balanced between established icons in the regional culinary and cocktail scene with rising stars. You’ve got Chez Pierre, Olde Bryan Inn and Prime – but also Upstate Distilling co. and Warehouse Grill + BBQ – relative newbies which won the hearts and minds, not to mention the palette’s and tummies, of the masses, and brought home the People’s Choice bacon, in the cocktail and food categories, respectively.
The victory in the food division assures Warehouse’s Chef Derek Adams an automatic berth in the 2018 Chef’s Challenge Head-to-Head Competition, played out Iron Chef style in the center of the room each year, one hour time limit and secret ingredient included. He will be attempting to prevent a “ThreePeat,” for Marriott Couryard Executive Chef Thomas Gulbrandsen is a back-to-back winner with this year’s Head-to-Head, for his mastery of Mint – the secret ingredient.
Playing the Alton Brown role with great verve and elan were 99.5 The River’s Morning Team Kevin and Shanna, who both used their wireless mics and freedom from the studio to max advantage – bouncing from station to station, to the judges and back again. Tag teaming, bantering – adding the play-by-play and color that made the evening feel like what it was – an event!
Now onto the food, beverages and festive fun… Allez Cuisine!
(Always wanted to say that!)
