TASTE BUDS ARE SPOILED AT SAAC'S CULINARY EVENT

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Starkville Area Arts Council annual culinary event-Forks and Corks, A Taste for the Arts. I stopped by the State theatre prior to the event just to check out the space reserved for the evening activities. When I arrived, I found Michelle Amos, event chairman moving swiftly to make sure that every decoration was in place and every chef's table was equipped with supplies. Barb Adkins, a former SAAC president and current board member was offering her artistic talents in the decorating department. Adkins said, "I want people to come in and feel fun, feel artsy- and come see what the arts have to offer the community". The décor of lime green, black and white gave the setting a fun but elegant feel. The chefs began to arrive with utensils needed to prepare their tasty sensations. The chatter and clinging of the chefs at work made each person in the room wonder what scrumptious delicacy each would be presenting. I took this time to go around to see what was cooking. There were five chefs competing that night and each wanted their dishes to include ingredients grown in the south, but with a twist of originality to make their creation stand out from the rest.

Farm raised duck was popular among the expert chefs but was prepared with unique tastes in mind. Others turned to Chilean bass, spicy seafood and rare cheeses from Mississippi State University's cheese factory. Chefs competing for the coveted accolades included: Gregg Frazier, corporate chef for Eat With Us Group, representing Harvey's Restaurant; Raymond Jackson, representing Aramark; Ty Thames, representing Restaurant Tyler; Daniel Weldon, representing The Grill and Jay Yates, representing The Veranda. The chefs had quite a few categories in this competition to master. Not only were they scored on taste which was the most important aspect of preparing their dishes, but also for the creativity they displayed in the presentation to the judges and guest. In addition, the other scores would come from recipe originality and of course, the "people's choice" winner for the popular taste amongst the guests. The crowd mingled and compared tastes under the sultry tunes of Mookie Wilson. The wave of competition was bouncing from table to table as the chefs continued to strive for perfection. The MC for the night made the last call for votes were over the microphone. I could see a mixture of confidence and uncertainty among the faces of the chefs. Prior to the winners being announced the guest competed in a live auction for three private catered dinner parties prepared by participating chefs or a week stay at a Destin, Florida condo. While waiting for the judge's final decisions, SAAC members who had won catered parties in past culinary auctions shared their experience with the chefs. The chefs appreciated the compliments and enjoyed the stories. This portion of the evening was created by the SAAC to express to each member how much they were appreciated for their dedication and donations to support the arts. The moment that everyone was waiting for had arrived. The winners of the competition were announced in each category, representing The Grill, Danny Weldon won in the categories of taste and the people's choice. In the area of presentation, Gregg Frazier won for Harvey's. In the area of originality, creating the duck slider, Restaurant Tyler took home the number one spot, created by Joseph Ellis and Ty Thames. I feel that everyone walked away a winner that night. The SAAC would like to encourage those not in attendance this year to please make it part of your to do list in the future. You would not want to miss an opportunity to spoil your taste buds with food prepared by expert chefs from your very own southern communities. The SAAC's goal is to pave the way for those who passionately seek to satisfy their love for the arts. Candy Crecink, SAAC's executive assistant said it best, "The Arts Become You". For more information on becoming a member of the Starkville Area Arts Council call 662-324-3080 or visit our website www.starkvillearts.org.