Last Friday night, I was lucky enough to kick off the beginning of summer at my first Chefs in Shorts event at the Boston Seaport Hotel. This outstanding event featured over 30 of Boston’s finest chefs, in a relaxed outdoor environment raising funds for FutureChefs, a nonprofit organization that aids Boston youths in preparation for culinary careers. All the chefs on hand had charcoal grills fired up on a picture perfect night in Boston’s Seaport for the 17th annual Chefs in Shorts.
LaVallee's Bakery was of course on hand, as we have been for the last several years. In addition to the gourmet cookies we offered, I was also tasked to prepare a dish as well. I thought an authentic Spanish Romesco Sauce with Manchego cheese and Arugula on a Boulart Ciabatta crostini would fit in nicely with the offerings of the night, and we received some great feedback. I was excited to cruise around to all the chef’s tables and try some amazing dishes. The bevy of offerings were sure to send any gourmand into a gourmet food coma
Some of my favorites of the night that really stood out included: An incredibly piri-piri grilled shrimp and corn flan from Mark Sapienza of Langham Hotel, A perfectly harmonious smoked mussel salad from Row 34, And Fairsted Kitchen’s flavor bomb of pork hash on Au Pain Dore’s Brioche Slider. Matt Drummond of Temple Bar had a very nicely composed grilled Lamb Belly dish that was outstanding, and Paul Sussman of Back Deck doled out some very flavorful grilled chicken wings with an chili pepper- lime butter and gorgonzola sauce.
Harpoon Brewery was on hand as well, and a live DJ pumped out tunes to keep the raft of hungry event goers grooving. All in all, it was an amazing event of tasting top notch food from top notch chefs, all while money was raised for a worthy cause. The hashtag #CIS2014 on Twitter and Instagram encapsulated the vibe of the event nicely, with great photos of tons of different dishes. It is clear that everyone in attendance had an amazing time.
Check back next week for my very versatile Romesco Sauce recipe, it will be a perfect do-ahead addition to any Independence day weekend cookout.
Cheers!
