April 9, 2008

As the forests, meadows and wetlands reawaken after a Michigan winter, our appetites also become sharper as we spend time outdoors golfing, hiking, fishing, biking or kayaking. The CHEF’S CHALLENGE weekend, April 25-27, at Shanty Creek Resort near Bellaire in northern Michigan, offers it all. In addition to outdoor recreational options, the weekend activities include the “Culinary Event of the Year” which features some of Michigan’s best chefs in a North vs. South competition.

The event, supported by the Michigan Department of Agriculture’s Select Michigan Program and Michigan commodity organizations, growers and food processors, is part of the celebration of Springtime Splendor Week in Michigan, and is a fundraiser for Challenge Mountain, the nation’s only non-profit organization that provides adaptive recreation exclusively to people with special needs. The focus of the chef’s competition will be on Michigan agricultural products, second only to California in diversity, as chefs prepare their favorite recipes for the public to sample. Entrees will be paired with fine Michigan wines and micro-brews. The winner from the North will compete against the winner from the South at a Sunday evening “Iron Chef” competition dinner for the title of Michigan’s Best Chef.

Among the recipes featured will be Cocoa Crusted Rack of Lamb, Coffee Rubbed Buffalo Flank, Chestnut Encrusted Walleye, BBQ Braised Venison Shank, Ginger Braised Rabbit and Heirloom Turkey Morel Sausage. A diverse selection of award winning Michigan wines and micro-brews will complement the food offerings.

Chef’s Eric Villegas from the TV show, Fork in the Road, and Chef Michelle Bommarito, recently featured on the Food Network, will be among the guest judges. Culinary students from Michigan universities will assist the chefs throughout the weekend.

Free seminars will also be offered during weekend activities, including sessions on Wild Edibles, Healthy Living & Eating, Introduction to Kayaking and Mountain Biking and more ---Michigan’s elected officials are being especially encouraged to attend and set an example for all Michigan citizens that a Spring Break vacation close to home can be especially enjoyable and rewarding. You’re invited too, so plan to join the fun. Information at www.chefs-challenge.com or Joe Breidenstein, (231) 535-2227.