Sharp & Edgy....the Steel Cook Competition in Evansville

I rarely have much time to watch television due to the many requirements of kids, work & play.  I've missed out on the world of Hell's Kitchen and other chef competitions that I'd normally enjoy watching if I were only at home. One of Margaret's friends from the days of radio, Debra, helps her sister with a cupcake store in St. Louis. Jilly's Cupcake Bar is a fantastic bakery & restaurant that is amazingly cool and absolutely delectable. Jilly's is unique also due to the fact that they won the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars" episode last year and their chef, Casey, was a returning contestant on the recent first episode for this season.

After a 'Lucy & Ethel' - type text conversation one night near Christmas, Debra called me a 'big dork' because I just couldn't tell what everyone was trying to do ...and then I realized I was really out of the loop.  Jilly's chef Casey is phenomenal and I am sure that he is enjoying much success due to his excellence in competing on "Cupcake Wars".  I have enjoyed their fantastic delicacies and suggest you do so as well.  I also noted that the chef competitions on television have taken cooking to a new competitive level and it's pretty exciting.

This leads me to a fantastic event this weekend at Evansville's Casino Aztar where you can see a cooking competition LIVE.  On Sunday, Feb. 19th from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, I will have the great honor of serving as one of the judges for Evansville's next "Steel Cook".  Eight local restaurant chefs will be competing for the crown and title of "Steel Cook."  Last year's winner was Joshua Armstrong from Riverview by Firefly, beating out Kirby's Fine Dining Chef, Scott Schymick who earned the first crown.  This year's contenders are Acropolis, Zuki, Cavanaughs, Kan Pai, Riverview by Firefly, Lorenzo's, Rolling Hills Country Club and three top culinary students from Ivy Tech. Using a common pantry of food items readily available in most area home kitchens and three “secret ingredients” that will be kept under wraps until seconds before the actual competition begins, these professionals will have to call upon every ounce of experience and know-how to advance through the opening “Quick-Fire” rounds to the final round where a panel of three judges will determine whose fare is beyond compare!  Radio and TV personality Brian Jackson will provide the play-by-play and commentary while a camera crew provides close-ups of the sizzling action on giant screens. Some 10 area restaurants will be offering their top creations at just $2.50 per plate, and Casino Aztar will provide a sumptuous cash bar. And  – all the proceeds from this exciting event will fund the Tri State Food Bank. Tickets are limited to 500 only, and are available at participating restaurants and from the TriState food bank or online at www.steelcook.org. Or call 812-99-4465.Any remaining tickets will be available at the door. Don’t miss this historic event and food fest!

And any event wouldn't be complete without Lanea's Suggested Song List......

It Must Be Jelly ('Cause Jam Don't Shake Like That) - Woody Herman...oh yeah.....thanks Frank!!
Hey Good Lookin'(Watcha Got Cookin'?)..... Hank Williams
Eat to the Beat ..... Blondie
Home Cookin' .... Junior Walker
Come On-A My House ..... Rosemary Clooney
Savoy Truffle ..... The Beatles
Scenes From An Italian Restaurant ..... Billy Joel
TV Dinners ..... ZZ Top
Ice Cream Castles ... TIME
Cheeseburger in Paradise ..... Jimmy Buffet
Hot Dogs & Hamburgers ..... John Mellencamp
Breakfast in America ..... Supertramp
Buttermilk Biscuits ..... Sir Mix-A-Lot
The Lemon Song ..... Led Zeppelin

Tickets are available online for purchase at Steel Cook on TicketLeap (add'l online fee)
or you can purchase from Tri-State Food Bank (812-425-0775) or from Premiere Marketing Services (812-499-4465) or by email at tickets@steelcook.org
www.steelcook.org
Don't miss this fundraiser for the Tristate Food Bank. To find out more about the food bank, go to www.tristatefoodbank.org

Check out Jilly's Cupcake Bar & Cafe - www.jillyscupcakebar.com 8509 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis 63124

Peace & Rock & Roll,

Lanea
Recipe Records
www.reciperecords.webs.com
reciperecordsml@aol.com