How is it that Rob and I have lived in Cincinnati for years and only just discovered 1 Night 12 Kitchens? This event raises scholarship funds for students at the Midwest Culinary Institute at Cincinnati State, and it’s a fantastic culinary experience. It’s one of those charitable events that’s so much fun you almost feel guilty taking the tax deduction. Almost.
A dozen of the area’s top chefs participated, including Anne Kearney of Rue Dumaine (formerly of Peristyle in New Orleans), Jean-Robert de Cavel of his eponymous restaurant, Sean Daly of Southern-infused Hugo, and Stephan Skirtz and Andrew Johnston of our favorite Saturday-morning bakery, Skirtz & Johnson. The chefs worked with groups of students to prepare “dinner by the bite”—masterful, flavorful creations portioned perfectly for tasting.
We were inspired by a number of these preparations, and I hope to play around with re-creating them at home in the coming weeks:
- Renee Schuler of eat well celebrations prepared bite-sized fried chicken and waffles (quite the food trend), with crispy chicken pieces dabbed with maple cream and the most glorious slaw of shredded cabbage, apple and bacon in a coarse-mustard vinaigrette.
- Trio Bistro dished up enormous New England scallops over a hot brussels-sprout-and-bacon slaw with a Maker’s Mark beurre blanc. We were wowed by the flavors, even though both of us pretty much hate brussels sprouts. I think it was the whiskey-butter sauce.
- Shawn McCoy of Brown Dog Cafe did kebabs of ground lamb formed into meatballs and skewered on a cinnamon stick. Hello! The bed of couscous was fab, too, with grated carrot, peas and—wait for it: feta. We’ll be experimenting with that for sure as our interest in Moroccan-inspired tastes continues.
- Chef Chase Blowers of Boca prepped New York strip by searing it on the grill and then … and then … poaching it in clarified butter to finish cooking. Over white-truffle risotto? Just shoot me now.
- Local sushi hotspot Beluga featured quite possibly the best French macarons I’ve ever, ever had. I know, right? Wonder if we can get an order of those babies to go.
I’ve already marked early May 2012 on my calendar so we won’t ever miss this event again, ever.
Wow – what a great event . . . and we are absolutely intrigued by your description of the French macarons at Beluga – a “must try” the next time we are in Cincy!
Doug, next time you come, we’ll get an order of the macarons to bring home. They’re seriously good!
The event sounds like a must do for next year. And having had several macarons in Paris as well as making them myself, I can’t wait to try their macarons.