Iron Chef in SF

This week I fulfilled one of my civic duties as a celebrity judge for a cooking competition!! ๐Ÿ™‚ This was an iron chef style contest put on by an organization called “Real Options for City Kids” or ROCK. Now, I can be pretty indecisive, but you know this time there was food involved how could I say no!?! Actually, I was pretty flattered to be asked to be a “judge” for this cooking contest that pitted 2 teams of middle school students against each other…..and I was thoroughly impressed at their skills!!

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So, the two teams were the All Starbursts (above) and The Fooders (below)…the challenge was for them to create a 3 course meal, plus a beverage using a secret ingredient, which in this case was SHRIMP!

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The All-Starbursts created a menu of Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Jumbalaya and Funnel Cake with fresh fruit & chocolate syrup for dessert! They also concocted a refreshing fresh watermelon with mint drink!!

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Now The Fooders whipped up a feast with a Thai theme. They served me fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls with a 2 dipping sauces (fish and hoisin), Shrimp Pad Thai and a scrumptous banana ice cream dessert..along with a homemade Thai Ice Tea to wash it all down!!

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Each team took turns presenting each item to the panel of judges, explaining each dish and putting lots of effort into the presentation…while I just sat, ate and listened! I as just so impressed with not only the dishes they had cooked, but all the careful thought planning and creativity they showed. I don’t recall being so “skilled” in cooking at their age…PB&J suit me just fine! haha But really, such a wonderful program teaching them team work, following directions, budgeting and more… I particularly liked the Coconut Shrimp and Pad Thai…the funnel cake, and bananas with ice cream & cinnamon laced whip cream wasn’t bad either! ๐Ÿ˜‰

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However, at the end of the day there could only be 1 winner…and bragging rights went to the All Star Bursts! They edged the other team ever so slightly with a bit more “flare” in their clarity, presentation and organization. They also were overall the most consistent… The prize they were awarded was $70 to spend on groceries for their next assignment. The runner-up got $30…BUT the “judges’ pitched in an extra $40, so they too would have the same amount of money to shop for the next meal. Good job to all involved!

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