Local chefs `meat' the loaf challenge
Chocolate Decadence returns
An informal gathering of local chefs has produced a meatloaf by which all others will be measured.
On Sunday, local chefs and restaurateurs gathered at
The Hamilton Supperette and
Lounge inside the Shoppes at Northpark to take part in the Brigade 405 2020 Meatloaf
Challenge. Out of more than 30 invited local chefs, 16 answered the call for bragging rights and some late-breaking prizes.
The competition called for chefs to bring three cooked meatloaves ready to serve in a blind-tasting. Competing chefs also acted as the judges with guest judges added from across the industry.
When all the ketchup was done dripping, chef Ryan Parrott, of Picasso Cafe, 3009 Paseo, was crowned champion. I don't know that it had any special name, but it had a special flavor, and it will be the restaurant's featured special come March.
Parrott narrowly edged efforts from David Egan, of Cattlemen's Steakhouse, and chef Michael Paske, of the host restaurant.
That was lucky for Parrott because after the votes had been cast, the Beef Council offered up $250 to the winning chef, and the Shoppes at Northpark added a $200 gift card to the bounty.
Chefs made two meatloaves for judgment and an extra for donation to The Homeless Alliance's WestTown Day Shelter. Ben E. Keith donated beef for the event.
Both cooked loaves, and more than 100 pounds of ground beef were donated to kitchen manager Delbert Briggs' cause.
Chocolate Decadence returns for the 23rd time from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 6, but this year it will be inside Leadership Square, 211 N Robinson Ave. The annual event will again raise money for the Automobile Alley Association, which funds community projects in the district. The event also includes a silent auction. Cost is $125 for a VIP ticket and $75 for standard admission. VIPs can arrive at 6, get VIP parking, seating and have a spot in the aforementioned bar. For more information and tickets, go to www. automobilealley.org/ chocolate-decadence
Remembering a legend
The Oklahoma City hospitality lost Joe Johnston, who was an owner in numerous local restaurants through the 1970s and 1980s, earlier this month. He was 76.
The Chicago-native came to Oklahoma City riding the Chi-Chi's Mexican Restaurant train, but soon left that behind to open or invest in places like Gators, The Magnolia Cafe, The Lunch Box, Mamasita's, Two Pesos, Kansas City Blues BBQ, The Ice House and Joe Kelly's.
Spirits to fly
Whiskey Cake, 1845 Northwest Expressway, will host a dinner from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Jan. 29 featuring Angel's Envy Whiskey. The five-course begins with French Onion Soup is followed by smoked duck carpaccio, lamb Osso Bucco, panko-crusted black grouper and Black Forest Trifle. Each course is paired with either a whiskey cocktail.
Cost is $75 per person, call 582-2253 for reservations or email whiskeycakeokc@whiskey-cake.com.
Comings and goings
Got a chance to sneak a few bites of a new taqueria opening soon in Edmond's Railyard food hall. Chef Chris McKenna, now with Happy Plate Concepts
( Sunnyside Diners, the original S&B Burger Joint location), has been working on a menu for Taqueria El Camino.
Co-founder Shannon Roper was kind enough to slip me a few samples on a recent trip to the new food hall. The chef-driven menu will offer a broad variety of tacos for all tastes, and I have it on good authority the place might sneak open this weekend but should be fully up and running by this time next week. …
Speaking of tacos, those long-promised from Hacienda Tacos to Midtown, I am told, will be ready for public consumption later this week. It's the restaurant business, so follow me on Instagram for confirmation. …
Livegrass Butcher and Bistro ought to be up and running by the time chef Joshua Valentine's namesake holiday arrives. Spoke recently with he and chef Shelby Sieg about the forthcoming restaurant founded on locally raised livestock. They're planning a menu blending Oklahoma sensibilities and tradition with the ancient culinary skills the dynamic duo have developed in the past decade. …
The list of restaurant closings for early 2020 lengthened over the weekend. A Good Egg Dining shuttered its Republic Gastropub location in Chisholm Creek's Tract 30.
The original location in Classen Curve continues to operate. The second location was among the original tenants of Chisholm Creek, which has added numerous restaurants since its 2016 launch. ...
Day One Concepts closed its second concept in two weeks. Last week, The 16th Street Plaza District bid adieu to
Maples Barbecue; this week the Paseo Arts District's loses Buttermilk. The fried chicken-biscuit concept started as a truck but is no more. Day One still operates Waffle Champion and
Nonesuch.