National Republic is donating wine and spirits for the event, and we started the evening with a sweet, fruity Troy & Jam cocktail, featuring Troy & Sons Whiskey and McDonald’s strawberries and strawberry drizzle. Troy & Sons Whiskey was also paired with McDonald’s hazelnut syrup, maple syrup, and dried apple slices in the yummy Whiskey Smash.
Chef Kathleen Blake presented her appetizer selection, Charmoula Chicken, made of marinated chicken breast and pickled red onions. It was served atop a crunchy pressed oil and vinegar potato crisp that she made with McDonald’s hash browns! Orlando’s Own Hunky Chef, Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant, offered a delicious Chipotle BBQ Beef Enchilada with a southwestern veggie salad, made with the McDonald’s steak and vegetables.
James Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig presented my favorite dish of the evening. He went to great lengths to make his dish spectacular, reworking a variety of McDonald’s menu items to create a slightly sweet corn fritter with a texture between a hush puppy and fried polenta. It contrasted beautifully with the rich Bolognese sauce with McDonald’s sausage and hamburger meat that he smoked himself. This dish was a marvel- truly gourmet quality, with exciting flavors and textures that worked together perfectly.
Julie and James Petrakis, co-owners of The Ravenous Pig and Cask & Larder, helped to plan the event, and many of Julie’s chef friends pitched in to help. Julie loves comfort food, and shares why she loves helping the Ronald McDonald House: “At this event, we can provide comfort food like no other — by helping Ronald McDonald House keep families together when they need it most.”
It was a joy to spend this evening with the incredible Petrakis family and their foodie friends. This event will be a gourmand’s dream…a beautiful night of sampling delicious dishes while doing good!
Details:
March 1, 2014, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Tickets $250 each.
Find additional information about Appetite for the Arches.