I can't believe it! I have been given the incredible opportunity to attend the 8th Annual S. Pellegrino "Almost Famous" Chef FINALS Competition in Napa Valley next month (March 5-7), thanks to Foodbuzz and S. Pellegrino. (For those of you who are curious, here is the "winning" entry). I cannot even begin to express how thrilled I am to be going. They have given me VIP access to the kitchen, where I can rub shoulders with top chefs and food editors from media channels such as Food & Wine and the Today Show. I'm getting nervous already!
I have never been to Napa Valley, although I have always wanted to go. It really is a food lover's paradise. Any one have tips for how to land a reservation at the French Laundry? 😉
I will be blogging and tweeting about this event the entire weekend that I'm there. Of course, if I happen to try any interesting restaurants, I will share tons of pictures from all those places as well.
New England Regional Winner
Guess who's representing my region? Peter Clark, currently a student at the The New England Culinary Institute, wowed judges with his pan seared halibut at the New England Regional Competition held right in my backyard at The Cambridge Culinary School of Culinary Arts.
There will be several interesting competitions.
The Mystery Basket Competition
Each competitor must transform a set of mystery ingredients into a delicious entrée in two hours or less. The winner receives $3,000. This competition will be streamed live here on March 6, 2010 at 2PM EST.
The Signature Dish Competition
Competitors will prepare their signature dishes, with the help of an appointed sous chef, for 200 VIP guests at a gala dinner. The winner receives $3,000. Gala participants will also vote on their favorite chef. This winner will also receive $3000. This competition will be streamed live here on March 7, 2010 at 8pm EST.
Fan Favorite Award.
YOU can get involved! All online viewers can vote to choose one culinary student to receive the Fan Favorite Award. This recipient will also receive $3000.
FINALLY . . based on the activities of the entire weekend, an over all winner will be crowned. This winner will receive $10,000 along with a coveted one-year paid internship with one of the judges.
Thank you so much, Foodbuzz and S. Pellegrino for this amazing opportunity. I can't wait! Stay tuned!
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