Next Throw-Down--Vegan?

[Robin Garr]

I wasn't really thinking about PETA.

This sounds like it could make for an interesting challenge. I like the idea of using farmers market produce as opposed to the "mock" meat thing. As to what Steve said,probably would be a good idea to steer clear of a controversial group like PETA,their shelter animal euthanasia program is disturbing to say the least.

Maybe the common thread for the entries could the use of at least one specific ingredient, such as quinoa or heirloom tomatoes or a specific herb. Or, maybe the challenge could be that your dish has to be prepared using only the items on a list that is designed by Robin of say 20 -25 ingredients (not including salt, pepper, water and oil). Let's do it!!!

I really like your idea of limiting the list of main ingredients. We could go somewhere in between and concoct a small list of ingredients that have to be a part of the dish, but then allowing the chefs to spice and prepare as they please.

Also I think Steve made a good point that has been backed up by many people so far. I personally would also like to avoid the more controversial animal rights organizations, but I think the Humane Society or Alley Cat Advocates sound like great ideas. Even though cats typically aren't consumed outside of shady Americanized-Chinese restaurants, maybe we could have a Chinese theme with mock-cat being the key ingredient. We could encourage the chefs to give their dishes amusing, feline-themed names. Obviously we'd encourage the use of many more vegetables so that the experience is much closer to traditional Chinese cuisine instead of it's Americanized counterpart.

(Sorry, the whole idea at the end there was heavily stream of consciousness, but there might be an idea in there if some other people like it and we could find chefs to agree to cook.)

Finally, thanks to everyone who has hopped on board so far. I wasn't sure how many people would get behind this, but the outpouring of support so far has been great. Hopefully we can pull this off.

Even though cats typically aren't consumed outside of shady Americanized-Chinese restaurants, maybe we could have a Chinese theme with mock-cat being the key ingredient. We could encourage the chefs to give their dishes amusing, feline-themed names. Obviously we'd encourage the use of many more vegetables so that the experience is much closer to traditional Chinese cuisine instead of it's Americanized counterpart

I like the idea....but do we have to go Asian inspired?
Cat Soup
Puss in Roots
Catvatelli

Alley Cats is a great organization that could use the support.

[Robin Garr]

Good thinking! I would nominate Alley Cat Advocates because they're local and small. No offense to HSUS, but our smallish contribution would have more impact for a small group with a small budget.

I think the Humane Society or Alley Cat Advocates sound like great ideas.

I totally support Alley Cats as the beneficiary. They do great work that is not always understood or appreciated enough. And I'm sure they could really put the funds to good use!

greens throwdown! i like it!

I like the idea....but do we have to go Asian inspired?
Cat Soup
Puss in Roots
Catvatelli

Great ideas for names John. However, we mustn't forget about the all important Bagel Cat!

Alright, so there are a lot of good ideas so far. When do you all think would be the best time to have it if we want to focus on seasonal produce? Unfortunately I haven't done much gardening since I was a kid, so I'm a little out of the loop growing seasons.

With the warmer weather lettuces are bolting. By July 4th 2008 bi-colored and silver queen corn were in the market. "Field grown tomatoes" arrived around July 26, 2008. Squash arrived in July. So did zucchini. Blackberries were in the market on the 26th. Georgia peaches were in the market on the 14th, the large red centered cling free peaches. Gillian's Orchard ( Tennessee) also large cling free peaches arrived about the same time. At the end of July, last year, all the peppers came to market. Okra arrived on the July 19th. August 4th brought fat blueberries from Michigan , local blackberries and white peaches from GA. plus fat raspberries. August 21st. brought local nectarines and peaches from PA. Anyone hungry yet? CD

Just make beets a required ingredient. Beets. Please.

Robin
check with Russ Meredith of Lou farmers market assoc. He is trying to coordinate something at the markets. Could there be a collaboration of efforts? (in short, sitting in airport club)