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competition dining series–fire in the city

September 8, 2014 by Chrissie Leave a Comment

Filed Under: all, charlotte, nc, events, fine dining Tagged With: Bonterra, Competition Dining, e2 Emeril's Eatery, Fire in the City, Mama Ricotta's

I became (slightly but actually really) obsessed with Food Network in college. It was like something went off and I no longer found cooking shows boring but actually interesting, intruiging, and drool inducing. I got in the habit of DVR’ing some of my favorite chefs’ cooking shows and turning them on in the background when I was doing work and then replicating the recipes I saw on TV. From cooking shows it was just a downward spiral, into reality cooking competitions (reality tv + food? yes please!) and now as embarassing as it is to admit, I keep up with several of those season to seaon–my favorites are Masterchef and Chopped (though I do love the occasional Iron Chef competition when it’s on TV).

What does my obession with food and reality TV have to do with Fire in the City? Well, “Got to Be NC” Competition Dining Series is one part delicious food, one part local chefs, one part competition cooking (where the audience votes!) and one part single elimination bracket style tournament blended together for a super fun evening!! “Got to Be NC” Competition Dining Series hosts dinner competitions in five different regions in North Carolina throughout the year, and they are in Charlotte during August and September for Fire in the City! (other locations include Raleigh, Asheville, Wilmington, and Greensboro). Local chefs enter the competition and are set up to battle each other bracket style, with the winner from each night advancing on until a regional champion is declared (the regional champion advances to the Final Fire Battle in November). Each night, two local chefs face off in a blind dinner format. Guests get to indulge in and devour six courses (three from each chef), without knowing who made it, and then get to vote in a number of categories including flavor, appearance, and use of the mystery ingredient (among others). Speaking of mystery ingredients, each evening centers around a mystery ingredient–local to North Carolina–which is announced to the chefs at 11:30 AM the day of the competition, and revealed to the diners right before dinner service. At the end of the evening, they reveal who made which dishes, tally up the votes (you vote using a handy mobile app) and a winner is declared!!

Sounds fun and delicous right? AJ and I were lucky to attend the battle between Chef Tom Dyrness of Mama Ricotta’s and Chef Brian Mottola of e2 Emeril’s Eatery a few weeks ago, and we had the best time. We got to Bonterra in Dilworth (the competition’s Charlotte venue), grabbed a glass of wine and took it all in. Bonterra is a beautiful space (I love old churches converted into new things. It was my first time there and I can’t wait to go back to try their food!), and was the perfect backdrop for the evening. They had large and small tables set up (when you buy your tickets you can request to sit with specific people if you want) and a few TV screens and projectors set up so we could keep up with everything (the event is super technologically advanced, from the mobile app, to updates on screens throughout Bonterra, to loaner phones for voting…honestly I’ve never seen it so acceptable to be on your cell phone at dinner). It was so fun to look at the screens as each dish came out to see what we would be eating.

It was just the two of us and we didn’t make any special seating requests, so we ended up at a table with Chef Dyrness’ family and friends. That made the event so much better; they were such a friendly and welcoming group of people, and we got to learn a little bit about Chef Dyrness throughout the night (AJ sat next to his mom). They were definitely his biggest supporters and fans, and it was wonderful to share in their passion and joy when he won! (spoiler alert).

Once we were seated, we perused some drinking options, and both decided on the flight of North Carolina wines selected to pair with each course. One of the things I loved about this event was their emphasis on local, North Carolina ingredients–from meats, to bread, produce, to booze–all from North Carolina (it makes sense, Competition Dining Series is sponsored by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture!). An event created in North Carolina with North Carolina chefs and North Carolina ingredients? You’ve got my vote.

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Apparently the wine flight was popular the evening we went, because it took the waiter a while to get our glasses in order and they were out of pre-made flight sheets (that’s a very technical term) which explained each wine. Our waiter did a great job of explaining each of the wines, but my memory fails me at this point. I did really like the attention to detail with the wine flight,  each of the wines we got was well paired to the food and tasty. Maybe I just really like wine.

Shortly after we got our drinks, host Jimmy Crippen kicked the evening off. Jimmy is a great emcee–he is energetic, charasmatic and engaging. The evening was definitely all about the food, but also the entertainment and experience, and Jimmy really fused it all together. He thanked a lot of sponsors, gave some shout outs, and then revealed the secret ingredients: Windcrest Farm tomatoes and Una Alla Volta formaggi! I really felt like we were the luckiest because really, who does not love tomatoes and cheese? Tomatoes and cheese might be some of my favorite ingredients (add bread, cookies, and pizza in there. Oh wait, pizza is made of tomatoes and cheese!).

On to the food.  It was incredible. It was such a treat to each six courses from two of Charlotte’s super talented chefs. Part of the fun was guessing which chef made which dish when we were served–we had a lot of debates at our table and there was some hemming and hawing and flip flopping. While the guessing was fun, I have to say the best part about dinner was savoring every bite (below I’ve told you which chef made what dish, but in the moment, we had no idea).

Our first course was made by Chef Dyrness–Windcrest Farm charred San Marzano tomato soup with baby arugula pesto, mixed heirloom tomato relish, U.A.V. fresh mozzarella, and olive oil crostini. I wanted to swim in this soup, and have dreamed about it almost daily since I ate it. It was hearty, robust, flavorful, warm and I loved the melted cheese (but who doesn’t love melted cheese?). This would be perfect for a chilly evening; it was like eating a warm hug. Yes, that’s totally possible.

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Next up was Chef Mottola with a U.A.V. burrata crêpe with Johnston County cured ham and Little River crab salad, spicy Windcrest Farm tomato water, and cucumber tomato salsa. I was not expecting a crepe, but it was a creative and pleasant surprise. The crab salad was bright, tangy and overall incredible, and the dish was super light and refreshing.

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Our first main course was served up by Chef Dyrness–confit of Heritage Farms Cheshire pork tenderloin, with Windcrest Farm yellow and green tomato compote, U.A.V. Burrata chili grits, heirloom tomato oil, and aged sherry jus. This one got praise all around the table, and AJ deemed it his favorite dish of the night. Pork tenderloin is not always my protein of choice, but this was tender and delicious. And I would really like to eat burrata grits every day, please and thank you.

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The main course from Chef Mottola was a roasted Maple Leaf Farms duck breast, with Windcrest Farm San Marzano lemongrass broth, crispy green zebra tomatoes, U.A.V. smoked mozzarella, mango, ginger, and mint. I would absolutely eat Chef Mottola’s take on fried green tomatoes every single day if I could (maybe I could put them on top of Chef Dyrness’ burrata grits?). The tomato was crisp and packed full of flavor–the seasoning was on point and highlighted the flavor of the tomato. The duck was delicious, and while I have to say I was hesitant about the mango, it worked. Also, smoked mozzarella, mmm.

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Then it was on to dessert. Neither of these desserts blew me out of the water, but I think Chef Dyrness’ mother put it best when she leaned over after her first bite of dessert–these folks are savory chefs, it’s just their craft (there may have been a follow up about how the pastry chefs are in charge of the desserts at the restaurants). Her opinion was right on point–the savory dishes were the highlights of our meals.

Chef Dyrness served up a Sweet Corn & U.A.V. Ricotta Mousse, with almond tuille, bacon and pine nut brittle, and Windcrest Farm candied sweet baby tomatoes. Overall I like this dessert–the mousse was surprisingly sweet and the crunch of the tulle and brittle was great. AJ said that tomatoes should never be in dessert, but a lot of our table mates liked the tomatoes and said they tasted like grapes. To each his own.

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Chef Mottola’s dessert was a blackberry and U.A.V. mozzarella soufflé, with Windcrest Farm cherry tomato jam, and a pistachio crust. This dish was beautiful to look at, but was definitely more savory than sweet. My little sweet tooth wanted something a lot sweeter to finish off our delicious meal.

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At the end of the night, Jimmy brought the chefs and their teams out to interview and meet the crowd before revealing the dishes, tallying up the scores and announcing the winner. Our battle champion was Chef Dyrness (I know there was already a spoiler), who won 30.02278369 to 22.74213836 (yes these are very exact scores, but these folks are precise with their technology and maths, y’all). Chef Mottola put up a good fight, and had some really creative and tasty dishes.

Chef Dyrness’ next battle against Chef Luca from Passion8 Bistro is tonight!

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I would highly recommend Fire in the City to anyone who loves food and is looking for a fun evening out. The price tag may be a little heavy ($59 plus tax and service and beverages are not included), but I promise you, it’s worth it! Use it as an excuse to celebrate a special occasion, or to just celebrate your inner foodie and  drink some wine and eat delicious food made by some of Charlotte’s fabulous chefs! Unfortunately, Fire in the City is sold out for 2014, but it’s not too early to start planning for 2015!

*I was invited to attend Fire in the City as a guest blogger and my ticket to Fire in the City was complimentary. Thank you Competition Dining NC for hosting me for such a fun evening!!  No one asked me to write anything in return.

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chrissie off the eaten path blog
Hi! I'm Chrissie: a pizza and sushi loving, craft beer and red wine drinking, restaurant exploring and traveling home cook who's been taking pictures of my food since 2013. To learn more about Off the Eaten Path, click here!

Get in touch: offtheeatenpathclt@gmail.com

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Hi to friends new and old! Whether you’ve been h Hi to friends new and old! Whether you’ve been here for six years or six hours I’m happy you’re here hanging out with me. I’m Chrissie, the gal behind the food pics and unsolicited opinions and this is my tinge of ginge husband, AJ.

I’m a blogger, badger, packer fan and public defender, cheese lover, red wine and local beer drinker, retired competitive swimmer turned cross fitter then peloton rider. 

I love pizza, sushi and Mexican food (but really am not picky, those are my faves), AJ and my family and friends. I’m an Aquarius, Enneagram 2 (I think) and can’t remember my Myers Briggs but know an E is involved. We have four cats, one dog, backyard bees (in hives with honey we got to extract last summer!) and backyard deer (that AJ has named). I have opinions and I like to share them and I also like reality tv. And last year I wrote a book!

Anything else you wanna know? 

I hope this selfie doesn’t curse the Packers this weekend. #gopackgo
★ GIVEAWAY ★  I’ve teamed up with the incre ★ GIVEAWAY ★ 
I’ve teamed up with the incrediblyyy talented @cosmiccreativ, for a New Year #giveaway!!! Her beautiful hand poured resin pieces are truly outta this world! Her pieces are one of a kind functional art (like charcuterie boards, lazy susans, serving trays & stovecovers) that will add tons of character and charm to your home (her boards are some of my favorites that I own!) Winner gets my cookbook, Stunning Spreads, and this giant hand-poured #charcuterie board featuring rose gold foil & extraaa sparkle 😍

Here’s how to win:

★ Head to @cosmiccreativ's post to get all the juicy details about entering to win (you must be following us both but enter on her post). Contest ends Thursday so click over right now!
★ While you're there, make sure you keep track of when her next batch will be launched, because even if you're not the winner of this giveaway, you're going to want one of her boards in your home.

Contest ends this Thursday evening, 1/21 at 10pm est. Winner will be announced her stories!

#cheeseboard #cheeseboardsofinstagram #cheeseboards #charcuterieboards #resinart #resinartwork #handpouredwithlove #functionalart #supportartists #supportsmallbusiness #cheeselover #grazingboard #cookbooks #cookbookclub #cookbookauthor #stunningspreads #womenownedbusinesses #womenownedbusiness #womensupportingwomen #cheeseboardgoals #custommade #handmade #easyentertaining #giftideas #cheeseplatter #cheeseplatters #cheeseplate
@leah_and_louise is hosting such a creative and de @leah_and_louise is hosting such a creative and delicious event benefiting the Charlotte community today. their pay what you can soup kitchen (with a suggested donation of $20) brought together 16 local chefs to make really freaking good soup with all proceeds benefiting @myhealcharlotte an organization "created to support dialogue and relationship building between urban youth and families, the police, other divisions of government, and community partners." They "strive to engage a diverse group of youth to create stronger neighborhoods and a better city." In the wake of the pandemic, Heal Charlotte is on a mission to provide a safer and healthier living environment for the communities they serve.

We got two orders to go, so we got our choice of four pints plus rolls from @dukesbread to take home. It was SO HARD to pick just four from so many great chefs but we ended up with celery root soup from @chefwhitneythomas, brisket chili from @lewdon4, vegan curry sweet potato soup from @chefccoleman and Virginia peanut stew from @jbarnes757.

If you're jealous of our lunch and dinner today (yes we're eating soup all day) there are a few limited walk up tickets available, so swing by @campnorthend before the event ends at 3pm. I love the kindness and creativity of the Charlotte food community! 

#soupseason #soupweather #soupforthesoul #soupoftheday #soupfordinner #soupfordays #nosoupforyou #cltfood #cltfoodcommunity #charlottefood #charlottenc #charlottecommunity #clt #queencity #givebacktothecommunity #cltfoodie #cltfoodbloggers #mlkday #soupszn #soupbowl #supportlocalrestaurants
Just in time for you to watch the playoffs on your Just in time for you to watch the playoffs on your couch this weekend ( #gopackgo ) I wrote a post all about the best wings in Charlotte 🤗

Local businesses are tagged and  leave a 🐓or 🍗 if you want me to send you the link!

#wings #buffalowings #chickenwings #buffalowing #cltfood #cltfoodie #cltfoodbloggers #cltfoodies #charlottenc #charlottefood #charlotteeats #clteats #eastcoastfoodies #eastcoastfeastcoast #eatclt #ncfoodfinds #ncfood #ncfoodie #northcarolina #northcarolinafood #dinelocal #foodiechats #supportlocalrestaurants #gamedayfood #gamedayready #footballfood #chickenwing #hotwings
hi my friends, lets talk takeout. are you still lo hi my friends, lets talk takeout. are you still looking for local takeout inspiration? we've found that over the past ten months, one of the easiest ways for us to support local restaurants and eat delicious is by ordering takeout once a week (sometimes more if we can't get to the grocery store or don't feel like cooking). our take out routine is a mix of new to us places as well as some tried and true trusty standbys, and I'm going to try to highlight some of our favorite spots more often. (like a #takeouttuesday situation but since I'm not super organized I cannot promise a new post every tuesday!)

it seems very appropriate to kick of this takeout series (whatever you want to call it!) with a classic: pizza! @iniziopizza is one of our favorite restaurants in charlotte and we order from them a lot (confession: we always get two pizzas because we are greedy and don't want to share with each other). while I'm always and forever on team pistachio pesto pizza, we tried their two new seasonal pies this week: the Pizza Di Pera (with cider poached pears, toasted walnuts, fior di latte, buffalo mozzarella, topped with a gorgonzola cream) and Porchetta Pizza (slow roasted Italian porchetta made in house, broccoli rabe, lemon zest, pecorino, fior di latte, buffalo mozzarella, topped with a salsa verde). they were both delish but we agree we can't get enough of that gorgonzola cream 

this is a 🚨free food alert🚨 post. inizio graciously let us take home their new seasonal specials at no cost to us, but as avid pizza lovers we do exercise our wallets a lot at their dilworth location (inizio is included in my best pizza in charlotte post which I just updated you can read on my blog...if you want the link leave a 🍕). and please don't forget to tip, even with take out!

#pizzagram #pizzanight #pizzanapoletana #pizzaporn #pizzalove #pizzaday #pizzaislife #cltpizza #charlottepizza #cltfood #cltfoodie #clteats #charlottenc #queencity #eatlocal #feastagram #eastcoastfeastcoast #charlotteeats #charlottesgotalot #eatclt #pizzatime #ncfoodfinds #ncfood #supportlocalrestaurants #dinelocal #foodiechats
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