Alrighty folks here we go! Once again I am tremendously overwhelmed by the amount of love and support that this wonderful community has shown me. Nine years ago I was sitting on my couch eating a pint of Ben & Jerrys and I thought You know what would be cool? Hot sauce inspired by different local bands & artists. I thought it would be a unique merchandise item that could bring them some new fans. Well the next day I hit the kitchen with no real knowledge of the actual hot sauce process,but with my love for cooking, a solid vision & a lil help from the internet anything seemed possible. For many years the sauce was just a hobby. I found myself on the road a lot going to different festivals and was blessed with personal chef gigs that allowed me to travel across the country and eventually throughout Europe.I thought that pushing some sauce while I was out and about would be a great way to spread the word of the wonderful artists and bands that inspired me to create the yummy goodness, and so I did just that. A few years back we decided that it was time to start our family,but it was very important to me that I have the time to actually raise my child. In the culinary industry it is very easy to get lost working 70+ hours a week including most weekends and all holidays. So I decided that if this was indeed what I wanted to do it was time to step it up. And step it up I have. In the last couple years I have gotten my saucy creations into multiple stores & restaurants around town & continue to seek out new businesses that need to be spiced up, all with my wee one in tow ;) My original idea for the cook off was just to get some friends & family together for some killer music & art, delicious food, & a overall great hang. And for the first two years we did just that. This year I decided it was time to take the next step in spreading the spicy word. I also wanted to be able to do something that would give back to the community that has shown me so much love and support. It just so happened that my friend Brian Chodorcoff was about to launch the 1 in 4 Strike Against Hunger Campaign and with the help of Joanne Grant & Mills 50 District and Will Walker allowing us to take over his pub for the day we had everything we would need to put on a great shindig. As with any new venture you always have to fight the voice in the back of your head saying this could totally flop lol ,but I am happy & proud to say that this years cook off went even better I imagined. Not only have I gotten nothing but positive feedback from everyone I have spoken to, but Brian was able to deliver a carload of food to the Fern Creek Elementary School Foundation that will help to feed needy children & their families. Thanks again to everyone who helped to make this event the success it was. This is a very exciting time in my life & I am so grateful to have so much support from all of you wonderful folks! Special thanks to Will Walker, Joanne Grant, Tom MoenchChris Crackalackle, Brandy Moyer Heather Williams Thaddeus McCollum Courtney Hugus Beth McKee Damian Justin Tigelaar Mila Belle Dykes Mariko Takada McCulley Yukiko Smith Misty Wheeler-Belin Alexandrah Love Bob Anero Stephanie Ryan Dresden Kincaid Jessica L Martens Jessica Pawli Miriam Lorenzi Gary Strain Dufner Rick Gessner Manuel Daddy Jim Abbott Jim Jackson Mike Mundrick Rock Et Fish Fat Night funkUs The Absinthe Trio New Originals, Milka Ramos Enemy Ink Bsp Signs Graphics fantastic hummus Whompa Chompa , Dave Mann Tony Roman Tim Turner and to everyone who took the time to enter a dish or sauce in the contest. They were all so delicious. And also to all the awesome businesses who donated items to the food drive raffle. Wallys Mills Avenue LiquorsThe Smiling Bison Swamp Sista La La at East End Market Tracy Hickson-Ellis Dave Segal The Peacock Room Hard Rock Cafe Orlando and many more that I cant think of because that was Brians job ;) And last but certainly not least my awesome sister Tammy Hibbard who came to town to help with Coral Sue since she was down with a bug. And of course my amazing mother Linda Sunshine & loving partner Bobby Koelble who not only willingly go along with and fully support all of my crazy ideas,but who also allowed me to stay in bed all day on my birthday :D I LOVE you all and am already looking forward to next years cook off! ;)
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 01:14:47 +0000
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