Home of the Chef Battle.
Mint Chef Competes in Chef Battle
Our very own Chef Ryan Hatcher was selected to pit his culinary wizardry against Chef Anthony Cantor on February 5th at NetShed No. 9 in Gig Harbor. Both Chefs’ food was on point, inspirational, and delicious — created around the secret ingredient of beer. They each exhibited their own unique culinary styles in a fast-paced, competitive environment shared with an intimate audience of about 45. Boy, did these two put it all on the line!
While the Chefs were hard at work cooking, NetShed’s social media team did a splendid job documenting the event. Check out their Facebook page for more.
Chef Ryan Hatcher Wins the First Course
Photo from Netshed No. 9 Facebook page.
Chef Ryan took home the first round honors with his red menace steamed clams with smoked nori and katsu bushi while the diners also thoroughly enjoyed Chef Anthony’s beef cheek with smoked red beer pepper coulis.
Chef Ryan explains his dish.
Second Course — Entrees!
Both entree dishes were tremendous. Chef Anthony busted out beef cheeks with cheddar polenta, caramelized beets and borscht buerre blanc. While Chef Ryan pulled off a smoked pork loin with Stilton stout sauce, and kale lollipops.
Chef Anthony’s beef cheeks.
Chef Ryan’s smoked pork loin.
While the event organizers compiled the diners’ votes, judged in four categories (flavor, appearance, kitchen prowess, and creativity), we speculated at the tables that this battle was going to come down to the wire.
Third Course — Desserts!
Impressively, both Chefs executed excellent desserts to cap a wonderful night.
Dessert course photo from NetShed No. 9’s Facebook page.
Chef Ryan put out a chili pepper stout brownie while Chef Anthony came out later with a rude parrot sabayon.
Fight Night a Resounding Success
With deeply sated bellies, the winner of the tightest Chef Battle to-date was announced as Chef Anthony — a huge congratulations to him and both chefs for their superb demonstration of technique and creativity! A big thanks to NetShed No. 9 for putting on such an excellent event.
Many said that this was the best battle yet and that either would have easily walked away winners of any of the earlier editions. And, while Chef Anthony may have won this battle, the ultimate winners are YOU AND I because we’re lucky enough to have Chef Ryan’s food any day of the week here at the Mint.
About “Fight Night” at NetShed No.9
Two local chefs battling head to head, knife to knife.
More than that – this is a dinner experience. While the chefs’ battle, you are the judges; determining the fate of these culinary contenders. Enjoy three course of food from each chef, and the camaraderie of fellow judges as you rate the chef’s on their skill, ingenuity, and flavors.
You will be rooting for a winner and cheering for the losers. Cooking is a passion for these chefs, and they are chomping at the bit to show off their expertise and skill.