FoodBuzz / Electrolux Event with Chef Brad Steelman of The River Cafe

Foodbuzz Electrolux Event with Chef Brad Steelman
(Photo courtesy of Sue, Food Network Musings.
Pictured: Yolanda, Kosher Soul Food; Chef Brad Steelman,
The River Cafe; Michelle, Taste As You Go; and Grace, Grace[is]Full)


Less than a week after I was welcomed into the FoodBuzz Featured Publishers program, I received a last-minute invitation to a Featured Publishers event, co-sponsored by Electrolux, at Relais & Châteaux on East 53rd Street. Not wanting to miss out on attending my first official event, I RSVP'd almost immediately in the affirmative.




 As we signed into the event, we were all given miniature digital cameras to use throughout the evening. Great idea, in theory. Unfortunately, I was never able to retrieve the photos I took with the camera because the USB cable included in the box didn't fit the camera (it was too big). Thankfully, my new foodie friends are being great about sharing their fantastic photos of the event!

Armed with a glass of white wine, I began sampling some of the hors-d'oeuvres being passed around, including a spoonful of braised suckling pig, topped with butternut squash and a toasted marshmallow. Um, hello? Delicious!


Braised Suckling Pig with Butternut Squash and Toasted Marshmallow


(Photo courtesy of Christo, ChezWhat?)


What followed was a bit of puffed pastry topped with chicken salad. Just as delicious and surprisingly light.


Chicken Salad in Puff Pastry Shell
(Photo courtesy of Sue, Food Network Musings)

And, I tried the dreaded olive once again by sampling some miniature crostini with olive tapenade, goat cheese, and a sliver of pimento.


Olive Tapenade Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pimento
(Photo courtesy of Grace, Grace[is]full)

Eventually, the Electrolux demonstration began, and we all crowded around kitchen display to watch as Chef Steelman explained some of the features of the wall oven and the induction cooktop and shared some tips about brining turkey and cooking mushrooms for a delicious risotto. Speaking of that risotto... Doesn't this just look fantastic? Creamy, full of flavor, and finished with some mascarpone cheese.


Mushroom Risotto
(Photo courtesy of Sue, Food Network Musings)



I know, I know, your mouth is totally watering, right? Our mouths were watering, too. When we were finally served some turkey sliders, made with the turkey perfectly roasted in the Electrolux wall oven, our stomachs were definitely growling.


Turkey Slider
(Photo courtesy of Christo, ChezWhat?)



Roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, all piled high on a delicious bun. What more could you ask for from a holiday-inspired meal? And, after inquiring whether I could sample a slider without cranberry sauce (boo to my cranberry allergy), one was delivered to me sans sauce. So amazing! And, I'm really grateful to the accommodation for my food allergy! Just when we thought we couldn't eat any more, out came dessert!


Roasted Pumpkin Creme Brulee
(Photo courtesy of Christo, ChezWhat?)



How adorable are those miniature pumpkins filled with crème brûlée? Chef Steelman sliced off the top of the pumpkins, roasted them, and then filled them with the custard and prepared them as you would a typical crème brûlée. As if that wasn't enough, we also each got to try some pecan shortbread. I was so stuffed by the night's end that I didn't think it could get any better.

But it did! Before we all started gathering our coats and braving the chilly wind, a winner was chosen for the raffle. The prize? A $100 gift certificate for The River Cafe, where Chef Steelman is the Executive Chef. The winner? Me!! I couldn't believe it when I heard my name called. When I got home from the event, I took a look at the menu online and cannot wait to use that gift certificate!

All in all, it was a great night out. I learned a lot and met some fantastic new friends. To hear what they had to say about the FoodBuzz / Electrolux event and to see more of their pictures, check out their blogs:

* Sue, Food Network Musings / It's All The Buzz
* Christo, ChezWhat? / electrolux
* Grace, Grace[is]full / Foodbuzz night with Electrolux

Taste As You Go Disclaimer: I was provided with the opportunity to attend this event at no cost. I do not accept monetary compensation for writing about my experiences. All opinions expressed are my own.

Comments

Zesty Cook said…
Hey Michelle,
Looks like you had a great time... food looks great... thanks for sharing

zesty
great review and 'luck of the draw' on the gift certificate...
Zesty - I really did! I'm just grateful that I could shuffle around my schedule to attend!
Doggybloggy - Thanks for letting me post your pictures! See you at the next FoodBuzz event!
Sue said…
Michelle,
It was great to meeting you the other night. Welcome to the food blogosphere. You'll have a great time.
Sue - It was so nice meeting you, too. Thanks for all the blogging tips and advice. I'm sure I'll hit you up for more tips and advice in the future!
Hana Choi said…
congrats on scoring the gift certificate! we will have to meet 'n chat at the next event ;)
Eudora said…
So, no opinions on the crostini? Or none you cared to share? ;) Being a big fan of the olive, and goat cheese, it looked like the perfect hors d'oeuvres.
Eudora - I'm actually still surprised I tried the the crostini at all. Olives are one of my cringe-inducing foods. But I was brave and put the darn thing in my mouth and tried the olive one more time. Opinion? Still don't like olives. ;-)
Chicky - Thanks so much! Yes, let's definitely chat at the next event!
FOODalogue said…
oh, Michelle, you lucky girl. What a nice experience.
Foodalogue - I really am! It was such a wonderful night!