2012 S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition Mystery Basket

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The judges (from left to right): Sophie Gayot, Jean Joho, Susur Lee, Jody Adams, Eric Ripert, Adam Rapoport, Tony Mantuano, Gary Danko, Michel Richard and Lucy Waverman

by Sophie Gayot Today was The Mystery Basket challenge of the 2012 S.Pellegrino Almost Famous Chef Competition. For the 10th edition, the ten competitors discovered veal and black kale in the “mystery basket.” They had two hours to create a dish with those two ingredients. The competitors were then presented to the judges (I am one of them) by TV personality Jake Hanover. Each one was given the opportunity to explain their entrée. They had full access to The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone’s pantry to accompany the two base ingredients. The resulting dishes were each very different from one another. One dish stood out, but I cannot tell you, yet, which one it is, as the second and last part of the competition is tomorrow. I will be happy to announce the winners then.

(Sophie’s hair by byu-ti Hair Therapy Salon)

You can click on each photo to enlarge. All photos by Sophie Gayot.

: The mystery ingredients: veal and black kale

: Paul Terrebonne – Seared veal round

: Joseph Johnson – Sautéed veal

: Jennifer Kim – Seared veal top round

: Jane Harris – Herb-crusted veal

: Helen Hayes – Pan-seared veal

: Geoffroy Lanez – Veal roulade

: Eliakim John Acuna – Stuffed veal

: Daniel Beal – Braised veal

: Daniela Molettieri – Seared veal shank

: Christopher Ravanello – Provençal veal stew

: The judges, from left to right: Sophie Gayot, Jean Joho, Susur Lee, Jody Adams, Eric Ripert, Adam Rapoport, Tony Mantuano, Gary Danko, Michel Richard, Lucy Waverman