Local Iron Chef Competition

I had the opportunity to participate in local Madison's restaurant 8 Seasons Grille's monthly Iron Chef competition against their Executive Chef Nick Baertschy. We had to incorporate the secret ingredient into an appetizer, a salad entree and a dessert. The dining guests would rank the dishes based on plating, taste and creativity.

Before the guests arrive for the cooking showdown

My Sous Chef Andrew on the left and
8 Seasons Grille's Exec Chef Nick on the right
announcing the rules and the secret ingredient

Secret ingredient is Golden Beets

Chef Nick's Appetizer
Apple & Beet Slaw, Scallop Cerviche, Chilled Beets

My appetizer
Golden Beet Risotto with Root Vegetables

Chef Nick's Salad Entree
Smoked Duck with Golden Beet Slices in a
Mixed Green Salad with a Strawberry Vinaigrette

My Salad Entree
Beef Tenderloin topped with Golden Beet Chutney.
Served with a Mixed Green Salad with a Golden Beet Vinaigrette.

Chef Nick's Dessert
Vanilla Cake on a bed of Peanut Butter with Beet Icing
and topped with Beet & Apple Slaw from the appetizer

My Dessert
Crepe filled with Golden Beet Mousse on top of
Strawberry Beet Sauce. Topped with Candied Beets
and Fresh Homemade Whipped Cream & a Mint Leaf.
Served with a Strawberry Flower.

I had a blast doing this local competition and my overall point score crushed his score, and I didn't even have a lot of supporters on my side to sway the voting. Thank you to those who did come out to support me.