One of the events I look forward to attending, year in and year out since 2006, is Taste the Future, Columbus State’s fundraising event to provide culinary students with scholarships. Not only is a fantastic cause, but it’s station after station of delicious food from leading Columbus restaurants.
If you missed my previous coverage, you can view the slideshows for 2008, 2007, and 2006.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a Media Preview Party for Taste the Future last night, where I had the opportunity to nosh on appetizers and meet some of the people involved. There was a spread laid out for us.
We had a really kickin’ hummus:
A fruit plate:
A cheese and cracker plate:
And the centerpiece of the evening (and also what Elevator Brewery is making this year) was the crab-stuffed scallops.
Chef Nate Crockett of Elevator also tried to demo how to make the scallop dish, but the weather didn’t quite cooperate.
As a result of the generosity of Columbus State, I’m privileged to be able to give away a pair of tickets ($200 value) to my readers! To enter to win, visit the menu section of the Taste the Future site, and pick out the dish you’d most look forward to trying if you got to go. Leave a comment on this entry with your choice, and please make sure that your email address is linked somewhere so that if you win I can contact you. The contest ends at 11:59PM on September 10th September 11th (yay, contest extended one more day!), and winner will be chosen by a random number generator. You must be able to pick up (or have me drop off) the tickets locally.
Update: RANDOM.ORG chose a #, and the winner is #10, Brittany. Congratulations!
Update #2: Brittany already won tickets elsewhere (with luck like that, girl – you should enter the lottery!), so wanted me to award these tickets to the next person in line. Put the variables through RANDOM.ORG again, and the new winner is #27, Kelly – congrats!
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
G. Michael's Bistro & Bar
* Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage; Country Raised Shrimp, Tomatoes and Scallions, Served on Creamy Stone-Ground Grits
YUM!
or Jeni's ice cream, of course.
September 2nd, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Cameron Mitchell Catering
Braised Pork Wonton Taco, Kimichi Slaw, Avocado & Cucumber Mousse
That sounds like HEAVEN. Really everything looks fabulous though
)
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I'll have to second the Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage from G. Michael's!
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Sage's pork belly. I love the food at Sage and it's pork belly. Jeni's also sounded pretty darn good.
September 2nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
If I win, I will be taking my husband. He loves coffee, so I think his favorite would be the espresso bar from Stauf's Coffee. There is so much yummy looking stuff it's hard for me to decide my favorite, but I am going with the menu from Bistro 2110 at the Blackwell Hotel of curried lamb ribs with peach ginger chutney and the buckeye cheesecake tartlets.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Sage's Pork Belly sounds fantastic.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage; Country Raised Shrimp, Tomatoes and Scallions, Served on Creamy Stone-Ground Grits
Although, the crab stuffed scallops sound fantastic as well.
September 2nd, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Mini Flank Steak Matahambre Stuffed with Garlic, Peppers, and Onions accompanied by Fresh Charred Tomato Salsa. sounds wonderful.
Dan
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Definitely the Curried Lamb Ribs with Peach-Ginger Chutney. Lamb has always been my favorite, bar none, and Peach-Ginger would be an uncommonly perfect match.
September 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Oh man, they all look SO good
I think I will go with The Suisse Shop's Double Chocolate Cake. But really…as a pregnant woman, I could eat it ALL!
bams0803@yahoo.com
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Gnocchi, Sweet Potato, Spinach and Lobster-Sherry Butter sounds fantastic!
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:23 pm
Oh, everything sounds delicious, but if I had to pick just one I'd have to go for the Bravo! Italian Kitchen selection Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Gnocchi, Sweet Potato, Spinach and Lobster-Sherry Butter. The Low Country Shrimp & Grits was a super close second though!
September 2nd, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Ohio Grown Apple Flatbread with Grapes, Basil, Ohio Blue Cheese & Smoked Chicken
sounds very interesting…….and a bit odd..
September 2nd, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Oh pretty much all of it sounds amazing … but I'll go with the Ohio Sweet Corn Bread Pudding with Rosemary Carmel Sauce .. sounds like comfort food with a twist!
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:10 pm
How fresh and wonderful does the local red & yellow tomato gazpacho with CRAB and summer corn salad from Aramark Columbus Convention Center sound??? Definitely my choice!
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro
Chef Richard Blondin
This dish sounds really interesting!!
Scallop Pomponnette with Sauce Bonne Femme
September 2nd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Sage American Bistro
Chef William Glover
Crispy Pork Belly, Creamed Corn, Jalapeno Ketchup, Smoked Paprika Oil
ORRR
Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage; Country Raised Shrimp, Tomatoes and Scallions, Served on Creamy Stone-Ground Grits
Love your blog!
Thanks,
nalene@gmail.com
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage for me.
Any of the scallop dishes for the hubby.
I love G Michaels and I love shrimp and grits.
All the food looks wonderful! Thanks so much for offering this!
mel0076@yahoo.com
September 2nd, 2009 at 8:26 pm
I would love to try the sweet corn bread pudding. Mmm…
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Wow! What a menu! If I had to pick just one to try………(cause lobster-sherry butter sounds like the most delicious kind of butter ever)
Bravo! Italian Kitchen
Chef Mark Grant
* Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Gnocchi, Sweet Potato, Spinach and Lobster-Sherry Butter
September 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Curried Lamb Ribs with Peach-Ginger Chutney that sounds amazing!!!
Thanks!
Amber
a_stroh@yahoo.com
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Crab Stuffed Scallops: House Made Crab Cake Mix Stuffed in a U-10 Sea Scallop with a LawnMower Lite Lime Citrus Buerre Blanc & Micro Green Salad
Sounds yummy!
Rebecca
becka818@gmail.com
September 2nd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
There are so many amazing foods on the menu! I would love to try the buckeye tartlet and the Elevator's blackberry mousse!
Ali
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:28 am
Definitely the pork belly from Sage American Bistro … although I rarely turn down duck confit.
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:38 am
I'd try the Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage; Country Raised Shrimp, Tomatoes and Scallions, Served on Creamy Stone-Ground Grits from J. Michael's
TMWeddle
TMWeddle@aol.com
September 3rd, 2009 at 12:40 am
Those scallops and the Local Red & Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with Crab & Summer Corn Salad, Cilantro Oil definitely caught my eye… yum!
September 3rd, 2009 at 1:08 am
mmm…I think dessert first with The Suisse Shop! I'm looking forward to your coverage of this event. $100 is a bit steep but I've enjoyed drooling over all the pictures you've posted of the previous years offerings…Thanks!!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 am
I most want to try the crispy pork belly!
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:44 am
Those scallops look absolutely delicious! And I love the melon balls – that must have taken quite some time to do them all.
September 3rd, 2009 at 11:26 am
At first it was going to be the scallops from Elevator I'm partial to their food (and beer!). Then I saw Ohio Grown Apple Flatbread with Grapes, Basil, Ohio Blue Cheese & Smoked Chicken from Limited brands and my mouth started to water. So I'm going with the Smoked Chicken from Limited Brands.
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Everything sounds good, and so many people have not posted what they are bringing, but if I had to narrow it down….
Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage; Country Raised Shrimp, Tomatoes and Scallions, Served on Creamy Stone-Ground Grits….
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I think everyone's smitten with it, but I, too, am salivating over the prospect of Sage's crispy pork belly. Mmm…fatty goodness punctuated by little flourishes of acid, heat, sweetness and smoke.
On the other hand, now that we are in a month with an "r", the Columbus Fish Market's oyster shooters tempt me sorely. How can something slimy and gray be so addictive and sensual?
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
It all sounds so good, but I think I'm most looking forward to the Blue Cheese & Date Croquetas from Chef Yow at Barcelona Restaurant – at least at the moment.
September 3rd, 2009 at 3:14 pm
It all sounds so good, but I think I'm most looking forward to the Blue Cheese & Date Croquetas from Chef Yow at Barcelona Restaurant – at least at the moment.
Shannon
LHIChef@gmail.com
September 3rd, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Oh, wow! It all sounds so good! I'm pretty curious about the Mojito Ceviche from Posh Nosh
but I'm also thinking Sage's pork belly would be really yummy!
September 3rd, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Sage's "Crispy Pork Belly, Creamed Corn, Jalapeno Ketchup, Smoked Paprika Oil" Sounds so yum!
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I'd definitely be interested in trying the Curried Lamb Ribs with Peach-Ginger Chutney–sounds like an amazing combination!
murphyks@gmail.com
September 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Wild Mushroom Saute, Puff Pastry, Crème Fraiche….. the thought of morels and other 'shrooms is mouthwatering. made by Catering by Design
September 3rd, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Goat Cheese and Roasted Vegetable Ravioli Braciole
jennifer.duann@gmail.com
September 4th, 2009 at 12:25 am
Pan Seared Sea Scallops with Gnocchi, Sweet Potato, Spinach and Lobster-Sherry Butter
September 4th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Johnny Cakes Topped with Smoked Barbeque Pulled Chicken & a Sweet Pickled Vegetable Salad
Never had Johnny cakes. Everything sounds good though.
September 4th, 2009 at 1:44 am
This sounds great, and it's from local ingreidents: Ohio Sweet Corn Bread Pudding with Rosemary Carmel Sauce
September 4th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I'd have to go with the drool-inducing Suisse Almond Torte from The Suisse Shop.
September 6th, 2009 at 1:39 am
Johnny Cakes Topped with Smoked Barbeque Pulled Chicken & a Sweet Pickled Vegetable Salad from the High Street Grill in the Westin.
Pickle anything and I'm in!
September 6th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
So many choices! blue cheese & date's Yum
September 7th, 2009 at 3:39 pm
Sage American Bistro; Chef Glover's Crispy Pork Belly with Creamed Corn, Jalapeno Ketchup and Smoked Paprika Oil
September 7th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
G. Michael's Low Country Shrimp and Grits with Andouille Sausage. YUM.
September 7th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
sweet corn bread pudding sounds amazing!!!
September 7th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
angela.han.k@gmail.com (for above entry)
September 8th, 2009 at 1:26 am
Buckeye cheesecake tartlets!
September 8th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
The Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus
Crab Stuffed Scallops: House Made Crab Cake Mix Stuffed in a U-10 Sea Scallop with a LawnMower Lite Lime Citrus Beurre Blanc & Micro Green Salad
My dad and I have been trying different ways to spice up scallops! I would love to take him there and experience new foods!
AllysonHalls@gmail.com
September 9th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
If I have to choose just one- Seared Sea Scallops with Peach Ginger Relish and Sticky Rice from The Medallion Club.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:19 am
I would love to try the goat cheese ravioli and all the desserts.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Pulled Confit of Duck Leg with Cheese Tortellini in a Creamy Duck Jus from Burgundy Room. That place does everything right.
September 12th, 2009 at 12:04 am
The Ohio Grown Apple Flatbread with Grapes, Basil, Ohio Blue Cheese & Smoked Chicken sounds amazing.
Jim
jmsbmck@yahoo.com
September 12th, 2009 at 12:08 am
Scallop Pomponnette with Sauce Bonne Femme from the Refectory.
September 12th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Crab Stuffed Scallops: House Made Crab Cake Mix Stuffed in a U-10 Sea Scallop with a LawnMower Lite Lime Citrus Beurre Blanc & Micro Green Salad
September 12th, 2009 at 1:40 am
Crab Stuffed Scallops: House Made Crab Cake Mix Stuffed in a U-10 Sea Scallop with a LawnMower Lite Lime Citrus Beurre Blanc & Micro Green Salad
September 11th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
Guess what? You won! Is there a way for me to get the tickets to you this weekend?Becke