Have you ever gotten sucked into one of those Chopped marathons on the Food Network for hours on end?? Not that it’s ever happened to me or anything… but I can definitely see how it can be so addicting. 😛 It’s fascinating to see the brilliant combinations that these chefs crank out with their baskets of ingredients. The creativity, the energy, the occasional sabotage, the criticism… The show takes you on one wild roller coaster ride until the winner is chosen – did you guess right? or, did you guess wrong? Whose dish is under the lid?!?! This, my friends, is how weekends tragically disappear. Well, what if I told you that you can enjoy this thrilling experience for dinner in a couple weeks?
“What?”, you say. That’s right. There’s a whole new kind of supper club in town and it’s freaking AWESOME. So, think of Chopped. Then, think of a super fun house party. Now, imagine if Chopped married a house party… and you get Kitchen Clash! Two chefs battle each other with a chosen theme of ingredients to win your vote in a fun social scene with an open bar. If that didn’t make your ears perk up, I don’t know what will. Let me tell you more… On the day of the event, the location of its secret venue is announced. Because… you know, that’s how supper clubs just work. You walk into a beautifully decorated NY space with an empty stomach full of butterflies, anticipating an epic competition.
With appetizers and the open bar, the two esteemed executive chefs are introduced by an outright hilarious host. Alexis and Jawann (the founder), I’m talking about you guys.
For the following event, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef Nick Williams from Littleneck and Chef Becca Richards from Flex Mussels. These chefs had to creatively incorporate “Sweet & Sour” into their dishes with 90 minutes on the clock. Also pictured, we also joined for the “Milk & Honey” edition with Chef Jumoke Jackson (a self-taught private chef who appeared on Beat Bobby Flay and Cutthroat Kitchen) and Chef Anup Joshi (a former Head Chef at Tertulia who won Chopped). As with all of Kitchen Clash’s events, the battle unfolds in the kitchen, literally, right before your eyes.
While you’re intently watching these chefs doing what they do best, the generous bartender keeps your cups full. I mean, who can say “no” to unlimited margaritas and Sixpoint beer?
As the minutes dial down, the intensity turns up! You really start to see these top chefs pull together their masterpieces up to the very last minute. Your heart is just pounding out of your chest in empathy as the chefs and their sous chefs frantically plate their dishes.
Sixty to sixty-five delectable dishes are served to the audience to win their votes. Can you guess what this dish is?
A sweet and sour piranha rib paired with an oyster and light salad. Yup, you read that correctly. Piranha. I’ll let that sink in… How many times will you have an opportunity to try something so cool and different, and by an incredible chef to say the least?! Besides the unique ingredients, these chefs have crazy talent when it comes to plating. Check out these gorgeous bread pudding dishes!
Everyone tries each of the chef’s dishes and casts a voting token into the winning chef’s box.
Who will it be? The anxious crowd awaits as the votes are being counted. Drumroll, please…
Ta da, the winner is declared!
What do they get? A brand new apron (specially signed by the audience members), chef’s knife and major bragging rights (obvi)!!
Of course, the chefs are good sports in the end despite having battled head-to-head.
So, when’s the next event, you ask? You can get tickets for Kitchen Clash on Sun, Aug 7th here. Let us know what you think!