Spring Cooking Demo With Chef Chris of Grapevine Catering

Chef Chris was great in front of the guests.

Chicken marinaded in basil

A light arugula salad with oranges and beets

A beautifully colored beet salad

On Saturday, May 7, Valley End Farm hosted Chef Chris Ludwick of Grapevine Catering as he demoed easy and delicious recipes using our vegetables. Chef Chris easily swayed the audience and presented a friendly atmosphere. We held the demo out on our feilds and the colors on that day were striking--a bright blue sky with some scattered clouds, green hills as far as the eyes can see and Chef Chris's white tablecloths that billowed in the wind.

The food that Chef Chris presented to all present had us salivating in our seats as we awaited for a taste of what he was cooking. First up was a light salad that included arugula and other mixed herbs and sliced oranger. It was a perfect way to get our palates ready for an accumulation of tastes. Next up was a basil marinaded chicken topped with some greens for that added touch of perfection. While Chris was outside talking to the crowd and demoing how to cook the food, his Sous Chef was doing the cooking in the kitchen. After Chris would present his dish for all eyes to see, our interns would go into the kitchen and come out with plates of exactly what Chef Chris had cooked.

Beets were next on the list and Chef Chris wanted this beautiful, colorful veggie to be the star of the show. First a beet salad that showcased the different colors of the beet, then the grand finale: chocolate beet cupcakes. These cupcakes were perfectly moist with just a hint of the beets unique taste.

Chef Chris stayed after to answer any questions that the guests had. None left empty handed as Chef Chris had come with copies of all the recipes he used. As our guests left, they took one last cup full of the Chef's lime and orange citrus drink. It was a great refresher after so many uniquely cooked foods.

We were so happy that Chef Chris and his Sous Chef could come and cook at our farm and you can be sure that we will continue to collaborate with them in the future!