LEO/LHB: Shrimp and grits throwdown!

[Robin Garr]

(Old news for the forum, but here's my final report as published in yesterday's LEO ... )

LEO's Eats with Louisville HotBytes.com

In the Old West, a throwdown was an invitation to come out and fight.

In modern culinary times, resurrected by Food Network's popular Chef Bobby Flay, a throwdown has become something decidedly more civilized, but still with plenty of posturing and inflated claims.

Cooking throwdowns are a frequent occurrence among the foodies, chefs and restaurateurs whose online personas hang around the LouisvilleHotBytes.com Restaurants Forum.

Last week, the biggest throwdown yet brought chefs from 13 area restaurants together at Captain's Quarters for a shrimp-and-grits throwdown, a competitive cooking event that attracted a capacity crowd of 250 spectators and raised nearly $5,000 for Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT).

A remarkable team of volunteers pulled together to make a major event happen seamlessly, and it was my pleasure to serve as one of the judges, along with Chef Dean Corbett of Jack's, Equus and Corbett's An American Place, and Chef John Castro of Winston's Restaurant and Yang Kee Noodle. DJ J.J. Jackson of 100.5 Louie FM was the master of ceremonies.

While the judges worked, revelers went from chef's table to chef's table tasting small samples. Judges evaluated one dish at a time, scoring specially plated portions presented "blind" with no information indicating who prepared it.

Which chefs reigned supreme? In close scoring, Chef Shawn Ward of Jack Fry's took third place; Chef Chris Howerton of Corbett's nabbed second; and Chef Justin McMillan of New Albany's new Windsor Restaurant carried away top honors. "People's Choice" winner based on votes by the crowd was Juleps Catering of Sullivan University, with chefs Anthony Lorie and Tyson Long.

Although most of these dishes were prepared especially for the event and don't appear on the restaurants' regular menus, I thought you might enjoy reading my judge's comments. ...

Read the complete report in LEO and on LouisvilleHotBytes.com.

Yes! I agreed with the Corbett's vote. Personally, the 'audience favorite' tasted delicious, but it was more chowder and less shrimp n grits.

Congrats on throwing a very nice event.

Yes! I agreed with the Corbett's vote. Personally, the 'audience favorite' tasted delicious, but it was more chowder and less shrimp n grits.

Congrats on throwing a very nice event.

GET TO WORK PAT.

Excellent review Robin. Considering how close you are to members of the dining establishment, I have great respect for your honesty and integrity when it comes down to evaluating what's been placed in front of you. Keep calling 'em like you see 'em.

It is very refreshing to read an honest appraisal of the cuisine that was presented...Up next...Chicken and Dumplings in the Fall...Any taker's?

BTW..... Bisquick Rules!!!!

Thank you robin ,as i did not place in the shrimp and grits throwdown this means the world to me.As i stated before contest that this was for wyatt, Will Crawfords son who has autism.Chef Harold came and gave it my best show and signature.

Like many things in life ..You put it out there and see what happens...I don't know who would have been bummed about the judging of this event because everything I tasted was darn good...I'm sure the final tally was closer than you think...

Food is very subjective... I feel that Robin was very thorough about what he liked and didn't like about what was presented to him.

No one should have gotten their feelings hurt at this event... For me, it was more about sharing a little camaraderie with my brethren in food service for a great cause win or lose....

As far as I'm concerned, everyone who participated in this event was a winner in my book!

Perhaps rather than just being the measure of one particular chef (the winner) it should be a measure of the abundance of exceptional, culinary talent available in Louisville.

It is very refreshing to read an honest appraisal of the cuisine that was presented...Up next...Chicken and Dumplings in the Fall...Any taker's?

I'm in!! (I think we talked about doing this at my place about two years ago yes? Maybe the Windsor would oblige??)

Like many things in life ..You put it out there and see what happens...I don't know who would have been bummed about the judging of this event because everything I tasted was darn good...I'm sure the final tally was closer than you think...

As the person who did the tallying- Dan's right on the money: the scores were very close. And EVERYONE who competed was a winner. You raised $5000 for a great charity, guys- and from what I heard- had fun while you were doing it!

Deb

I had a blast! I only wish there were more time to chew the fat with everyone. I know it's been said before, but you guys did a phenomenal job organizing and running this event. It truly illustrated how strong our community is.

It is very refreshing to read an honest appraisal of the cuisine that was presented...Up next...Chicken and Dumplings in the Fall...Any taker's?

I'm in!! (I think we talked about doing this at my place about two years ago yes? Maybe the Windsor would oblige??)

Sometime during Harvest Homecoming would be awesome.....That's when I really like to eat chicken n' dumplins from the different organizations that make them....Actually, I fast for a day before and then gorge myself on a little of everything.
Besides the State Fair, this is the best local festival for food!