Let the Chef Battles Begin!
Sometimes I have an awesome job. This was one of those times! Last week I was lucky enough to be invited to be a guest judge for the Chefs Battle between Scott's Restaurant and The North Left. It was an amazing event because not only was it in good fun, but all the proceeds also went to charity. Win-win! I felt like I was sitting front and center in Kitchen Stadium getting ready for the Iron Chef Battle! Excuse the blurry pictures. The pictures from the Judges Table were backlit. 
The secret ingredient was Albacore! I'm seriously drooling thinking about it right now. The kitchen staff brought out multiple cuts of the fish. 
And then Chef Aron Habiger from Northleft andChef de Cuisine from Scott's Restaurant started working their knife skills. It was dinner AND a show! 
Look how fresh the albacore is!
As the chefs were busy working away with the clock running and a whole roomful of people staring at their every move, I decided to tend to more pressing issues... selfies with the other judges. Priorities! We even got this nifty judge's sheet where we were able to make comments. The whole audience was able to comment and judge as well. The judges' points were just worth a little more. Sorry guys! But it was so much fun to get everyone involved!
Chef Aron Habiger's Albacore dish was first to come out. It had a great pepper and salt crunch as well as a mesh of seasonings throughout the plate that accented and brought out the taste of the albacore. 
Next up was Scott's. Presentation wise, Scott's really delivered. They had albacore prepared three ways. Everyone was instructed to eat the dish clockwise for the best taste. There was seared albacore with an asparagus spring roll, black truffle vinaigrette, and chia sauce. The multiple different and unique textures of their dish was amazing.
We also had an official scorekeeper. How very Vanna White! Even though the winner of the night was Scott's, everyone had a great time. Both restaurants and chefs that are pioneers in the Orange County area that truly believe in sustainable cooking and sourcing from local farms. Plus, all proceeds from the event went to charity!
The event was so much fun. It was $15 to get a plate of both chefs' food. Scott's hosts Chef Battles about once a month so make sure to follow them online to find out when the next one will be. Such a great cause! Thank you to Chef Mike, Scott's and The North End for inviting me to be a guest judge. Also, a big thank you to the friends and fellow foodies that came out to support the event! I had a ball. Can't wait for the next one!
Scott's Restaurant is located at: 3300 Bristol Street Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714-979-2400
