Graeme Blair


9
Mar 11

The Grill Cheese Throwdown 2011

 

At Smart Kitchen we were very excited to get back in competitive action at the Grilled Cheese Throwdown in Scottsdale on March 6, 2011.

De-Constructed Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The De-Constructed Grilled Cheese Sandwich from Smart Kitchen

Our entry was a Deconstructed Grilled Cheese Sandwich, served open-faced with thyme infused gruyere cheese and garnished with a fine julienne of tomatoes and prosciutto over which were drizzled micro-greens, white truffle oil and Hawaiian smoked sea salt. We got some raves and have the recipe for the Smart Kitchen Grilled Cheese Sandwich up at Smart Kitchen.com. We did not win the contest, though we hear we did get two nice scores from two of the three judges. Apparently, one of the judges was not as ecstatic about our entry and that sank us.

To see the crowning of the victor, Sean Currid of Cafe Zuzu watch the video. We could swear we saw some well-earned tears of joy on his face.

The Contestants and Organizers of the Grilled Cheese Throwdown 2011

The Contestants and Organizers of the Grilled Cheese Throwdown 2011

We want to thank Susie Timm of Girl Meats Fork (second from right) for organizing the event. We also want to salute Sean Currid of Cafe Zuzu on his impressive Cheese Crown, and congratulate the other worthy contestants.

 

Grilled Cheese Throwdown Cafe Zuzu

Sean Currid, the King of the Grilled Cheese Throwdown, (& Team) Throwing Down!

Cafe Zuzu's Grilled Cheese Entrants

Cafe Zuzu's Winning Entrants

5th & Wine’s Steve Butler took second place.

Steve Butler fo 5th and Wine

Steve Butler Churning Out Grilled Cheese Wonders

Grilled Cheese Throwdown Entry from 5th and Wine

The 5th & Wine Entrant

Executive Chef Chad Burnett from Parc Central at the Scottsdale Quarter earned third place.

Chad Burnett of Parc Central

Exec. Chef Chad Burnett of Parc Central @ The Scottsdale Quarter

Parc Central's Grill Cheese Throwdown Entrant

Parc Central's Entry

Graeme Blair from the Brittlebush Bar & Grill at the Kierland Golf Club won the People’s Choice Award.

Graeme Blair of Brittlebush Bar & Grill won the People's Choice Award

Grilled Cheese from Brittlebush Bar & Grill

The People's Choice Winning Grilled Cheese Entry

Matthew Rizzo from Humble Pie rounded out the competition and did an admirable job single-handing his station.

Matthew Rizzo from Humble Pie

The Humble Pie Entry

We hope to see you at the next one.

P Chef

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