Chef Ball is the yearly event where the food gets just as much applause as the chefs being honored. The 10-course meal carefully paired with wine and served Sept. 13 at the annual Chef Ball was exceptional. With each course, including Sweet Potato Panna Cotta, Roasted Gulf Oyster with Tasso Ham Stuffing and Butternut Squash Tatin, the responsible chefs would describe their creations, and Ken Lipsmeyer, responsible for the wine pairings, would explain his choices, all to applause from the happy crowd.
Between courses, awards were presented to Wendy Schay, culinary student of the year; Chef Jan Lewandowski, pastry chef of the year; and Chef Coby Smith, chef of the year. Chef Bob Wolf was named to the Chef Hall of Fame.
Guest speaker Gov. Asa Hutchinson noted his focus on economic development and said, "No one wants to relocate in a state that doesn't have great cuisine. People want to live here because of the work you do every day."
The evening was hosted by The American Culinary Federation Central Arkansas Cooks Association. Todd Gold, association president and dean of the culinary and hospitality institute, served as the master of ceremonies.
-- Story and photos by Cary Jenkins
High Profile on 09/20/2015