Cooking a nice dish is an art form, and that’s why only a small portion of the population can do it at a high level.
Just about any of us can put together a meal, given the right mix of ingredients and time to prepare, but under the bright lights of competition, that’s where it would get a little tricky for us.
Luckily, we weren’t asked to take part in the third annual Iron Chef Concord competition put on by GoodLife Programs & Activities. Rather, three local chefs (who actually know what they’re doing) will square off to be named the best in Concord. Jason Seavey, executive chef at Havenwood Heritage Heights; Mike Tate, executive chef at Granite Restaurant & Bar; and Kevin McIntyre, executive chef at Pleasant View Retirement, will compete for the lofty title.
And we should probably wish Tate and McIntyre good luck now, because so far, Seavey has owned this competition, winning each of the first two years.
The way it all works is that you first need to buy a ticket. The event is April 6 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Tad’s Place at Havenwood Heritage Heights, 149 East Side Drive, but with only 170 tickets available, it usually sells out pretty quick. That’s why we’re giving you plenty of heads up.
“It’s a great way for people in the community to get to know these local chefs,” said Susan Greenblott, director of development and marketing at GoodLife.
Once in the doors, you’ll get to taste appetizers made by the three chefs during the cocktail hour, as well as two free drink tickets.
“It’s a super fun and yummy event,” Greenblott said.
Then the real fun begins. The chefs have 30 minutes to create a sweet and salty dish for the three judges, and must include maple syrup, beets and prosciutto.
“They can make whatever they want, use their creativity and show off their talent,” Greenblott said.
There will also be a surprise ingredient that the chefs learn about right before the competition.
“That’s new. We’ve never done a surprise ingredient before,” Greenblott said. “We try to make it more challenging each year.”
Some of the prep work can be done ahead of time, but all the cooking must be done during the half hour window, along with a wine pairing for the dish. And if the pressure wasn’t enough trying to prepare three entrees in 30 minutes, they will also have to answer questions from master of ceremonies Bill Phenix while cooking.
The chefs will be judged on creativity, taste, wine pairing and overall presentation by judges chef Nicole Barreira, Great N.H. Restaurants, Debra Barnes, owner/chef of Wellington’s Marketplace, and Steve Duprey, president of Foxfire Property Management.
In addition to the Iron Chef award, spectators will vote for a people’s choice award based on the appetizers.
Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by visiting goodlifenh.org/activity/ iron-chef-2017 or calling 228-6630.
