I’ve been sharing the foodie and farmer event Zest and Zing (in sponsorship by the Kansas Farm Bureau) on my blog for a while. I attended the event last week and it was more than what I imagined it would be. The event was set up with a beautiful and delicious buffet, drinks, and a fun food competition. I am a huge fan of the Food network, So much so that I credit my cooking skills to watching the channel. It’s hard to believe I used to burn rice.
One of my favorite shows to watch on the Food Network is “Iron Chef”, for those of you not familiar with the show. It’s an intense culinary battle between two celebrity chefs that are presented with mystery ingredient’s and are force to use their innovative minds to create amazing dishes. Sometimes it is a triumph and other times its defeat.
Chef Alli taking questions from the audience.
Zest and Zing (in sponsorship by the Kansas Farm Bureau) was hosted by local celebrity Chef Alli and featured two other local celebrity chefs. The battle was intense the first dish had to be made out of pork cheeks. The second battle, both chefs have to create a dish using some type of product with wheat beer, pasta, rice, or flour. Both of the chefs were preparing dishes as if their eyes were closed. There was not a drop of sweat on either brow.
Culinary creations from Chef #1
Culinary creations from Chef #2
During the battle Chef Alli questioned the chef’s on what they were preparing and local farmers gave concise and informative tidbits during the competition. One of the local farmers, The Goods who are local pig farmers. I asked the questioned, “What is the lifespan of a pig prior to being sold off?” Mr. Good answered, “The average lifespan of a pig prior to being sold for butchering is six months.” That is not a long time from birth to the butcher.
My girlfriend and I at the event.
The judges – Angela Muir from Handmade in the Heartland, Danny – Winner of Survivor and a nice looking gentleman with a great smile.
I am looking forward to attending next year’s Zest and Zing. The event was well organized, fun, and eventful. Everyone walked away with a full stomach, knowledge on the local farming industry and gift bags stuffed with lots of goodies.
While I am speaking of gift bags, I am giving away one on my blog today. Just leave a comment on what would be making if you were in a food competition.
What an awesome event, I wish they had things like that in Delaware – need to do some research because perhaps they do!!!
Yes, I would suggest researching. I google quite a bit of events to find them in my area, Then reach to them.
Antionette,
Congrats you have won the giftbag! Be sure to send me your address to fashionplatekc@gmail.com so I can send your prize to you.
Thanks,
La’Shonda