Bay Area Rising Stars Showcase Talent at StarChefs.com Awards
June 17, 2010 If you were near Ghirardelli Square last night you might have been curious about the swanky event taking place at their outdoor plaza. Some of the hottest young luminaries of the local culinary scene were being honored at the StarChefs.com Rising Star Awards Gala.
Marinated Striped Bass, Petrossian Caviar, Green Strawberries, and Brown Rice by Louis Maldonado of Aziza.
There were plenty of gourmet dishes and wines to keep the guests busy. Josh Thomsen of the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa had a tasty Laura Chenel Goat Cheese-Potato Terrine with Slow-Roasted Baby Beets and Aged Balsamic Syrup.
Each honoree and their teams were working furiously to feed the hungry crowds. Just look at the Aziza team working together!
Louis Maldonado and Mourad Lahlou of Aziza put finishing touches on their dish.
I haven't been to Flour + Water yet but Thomas McNaughton's Ravioli Doppio of Pork and Pea gave me enough reason to check it out real soon.
There was a line at the SPQR area too. The Bone Marrow Sformatino, Smoked Bacon and Onions from Matthew Accarrino was silky and flavorful, but not too rich. Well, not too rich for me!
Matthew Accarrino of SPQR.
The desserts were also stellar. We enjoyed both Melissa Chou's (of Aziza) Crème Fraîche Panna Cotta with Plum Soup as well as the Apricot Mousse, Cherry Sorbet and Lemon Verbena from Catherine Schimenti of Michael Mina.
It was quite hard to choose a favorite dish but guests voted for Scott Nishiyama's (of Chez TJ) Moulard Duck Foie Gras "Neige," Blackberry, Cashew and House-Made Mustard Toast. It was a very creative endeavor - imagine cool, light-as-air foie gras shavings floating on your taste buds. Sublime.
Vicky Wasik/StarsChefs.com
Scott Nishiyama of Chez TJ
Curious about upcoming events? Check out starchefs.com for more info.
Photo credits: Vicky Wasik/Starchefs.com & Giovanni Nakpil.
Reader Comments (2)
Nice pics! So glad to meet you and your fiance, too. What a delicious evening that was.
Thanks! It was so great meeting you too! :)
Since I went to Italy my brain litterally freeze when I hear the words panna cotta. I definitely need to learn how to do it :)
Tami: It's quite easy - I'll make some for you! :)