No Cups, Just Plates: We Went to a Cannabis Chef Showdown

Chef Gabe Griggs, of Tonight Studios and Pocket Change, created a Blueberry Buffalo Coconut Oil Infused Pocket Pie that tantalized the taste buds with an unusual combination of sweet fruit, an elaborate spice blend, and savory ground buffalo.  Throughout the day I overheard people telling their friends, “You have to try the Blueberry Buffalo Pie, it is AMAZING!”

Four chefs turned up the heat even more by competing in a cannabis infused version of Top Chef, and the three judges, myself along with Chef Chris Yang, and Keiko Beatty of the US Weed Channel, had our work cut out for us choosing a winner.

After much discussion, it ultimately came down to the artistic plating of Chef Andrea Drummer’s Corn Grits with Shellfish, Fried Pork Belly and Fresh Okra, which managed to just nudge out the competition.  Drummer, who used cannabis infused oil to medicate the dish, wanted to pay homage to her Southern roots while challenging herself to transform a simple food, like shrimp and grits, into a culinary work of art.  She presented a delicate balance of rich flavors and textures.  Most amazing of all?  Chef Andrea’s okra lacked the vegetable’s typical slime!

The event’s proximity to the beach inspired Chef Nugs to tackle seafood.  His Mussels in Garlic, Tomato and Chorizo Broth accomplished the near impossible of incorporating the spicy Spanish sausage into a dish without it overpowering the flavor or making it greasy.  Nugs used his own brand of infused olive oil and seasoning blends to medicate his entry.

Lastly, Chef Gabe Griggs continued his flavor explorations of  fruit and meat combinations by serving Jamaican Spiced Roast Pork with Plantains, and Watermelon and Mint Salad. Infused olive oil medicated the dish, although coconut oil is this chef’s preferred method for medicating his pocket pies.

Tamara said the purpose of her event was to teach attendees how to incorporate cannabis into their diets beyond the typical sugar-laden commercially available fare.  Everyone at Culinary and Cannabis left full, relaxed, and educated.  I’d say she accomplished her goals, and she did it with style!