Mid-America Expositions Home Page

 
 

 
SPOTLIGHT ON GREAT OMAHA CHEFS
DEMONSTRATION STAGE
 

 

2008 WHOLE FOODS MARKET
CULINARY ARTS STAGE

In Cooperation with the Institute for the Culinary Arts – Metro Community College

FRIDAY, JUNE 6TH

6:00 PM ~ Fresh and Healthy Grilling - Presented by Judy ala carte of KFAB joined by Great Omaha Chefs including Executive Chef Chris Morgan, of Colton’s Woodfired Grill, and Chef Casey Drahota, of The Old Gourmet Market. How you slice it and grill it can make a difference in the taste and appearance. Learn how to Grill fruits, vegetable and protein rich foods at these fun demonstration using fresh produce and other ingredients from Whole Foods Market. Judy Gilliard will also include quick and easy slicing techniques to create elegant dishes and tips to enhance your meals.


8:00 PM ~ Grilling and Wine Tasting - Presented by Judy ala carte of KFAB joined by Wine Expert, Nick Weaver from the Barefoot Winery in California. Great Omaha Chefs including Executive Chef Chris Morgan, of Colton’s Woodfired Grill, and Chef Casey Drahota, of The Old Gourmet Market will also present grilling demonstration and pairings with Barefoot Wines.


 

SATURDAY, JUNE 7TH

Enjoy a taste from the competition among students at the Whole Foods Market Iron Chef Metro. Teams of two chefs from Taste of Omaha the Institute for the Culinary Arts will square off in one-hour battles focused on regional cuisine from around the world. Audience members will get the chance to See, Smell Taste & Judge this year’s event. The Spotlight on Great Omaha Chefs Demonstration Stage draws inspiration from the hit TV Show “Iron Chef”. After a $75 shopping spree at Whole Foods Market, fast-paced rounds of competition pit chef against chef to create the best dishes. The dueling chefs put the spotlight on inspiration for the Taste of Omaha: all the great food we have here.

Host: Brian O’Malley, Chef-Instructor Institute for the Culinary Arts
Judges: Paul Kulik, Chef La Buevette
Jason Handelman, Executive Chef Whole Foods Market
Head Judge: Chris Pulling CEC CCA, Executive Chef Qwest Center Omaha

11:00 AM ~ “Iron Chef Metro Competition” Flight 1 – Battle New Orleans

1:00 PM ~ “Iron Chef Metro Competition” Flight 2 – Battle Latin American

3:00 PM ~ “Iron Chef Metro Competition” Flight 2 – Battle French

5:00 PM ~ “Iron Chef Metro Competition” Flight 3 – Battle Mediterranean

7:00 PM ~ “Iron Chef Metro Competition” Flight 4 – Battle Asian

8:30 PM ~ “Iron Chef Metro Competition” - Overall WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT


 

Judy ala carte of "Cooking with Judy" on KFAB 1110 AM

Judy Gilliard grew up in the restaurant business in Southern California and earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management as well as teaching credentials in food and food technology.

 

 

 

 

 

Iron Chef Metro judging panel

 

 

Taste of Omaha

SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH

 

1:00 PM ~ “Hectic Cuisine”

- Presented by Chef Donovan Merrill of Firehouse Grill.

Plan a gourmet style meal for a busy schedule. In less than 30 minutes, Dinner for 4 with two separate entrees and side dishes. Using common household equipment, food incredients, and easy techniques - anyone can cook gourmet. On the menu is pepper crusted pork loin with carmelized onion jam with gratinee potatoes and seared asparagus or pan-seared trout almondine fish served with lemon rice pilaf and steamed broccoli spears. Tasty meals sure to impress family and friends offering something for everyone.

3:00 PM ~ “Flavors of Southern French Barbeque”

- Presented by Chef Cedric Fichepain of Le Voltaire Restaurant

Learn grilling tips and unique French flavoring with tips from lamb to vegetables that is not your ordinary barbeque.

 

Chef Donovan Merrill

 

Chef Cedric Fichepain