From 5:30 to 9 p.m. today at the Yorktowne Hotel Ballroom, 22 area chefs converged to raise money for the local food bank. I enlisted one of my favorite dining companions Erin Marsicano to accompany me to the event.
Hear about our amazing evening....and read after the jump for more!
I have to say, I have never been so wowed and full all at the same time. I tried savory appetizers and smooth and creamy desserts from some of my favorite local restaurants.
After a while, it all started to run together, so forgive me if I miss the name of some of the tastes or the restaurants it came from. I got to meet many of the chefs in person that I have spoken to on the phone.
We started with penne pasta from Marino's Pizza and Pasta House, which was quickly followed by Tahitian Vanilla Grapenut Crunch yogurt from Sweet Willows Creamery. The line moved slowly past Heritage Hills, that had some kick-butt anitpasti salad and balsamic vinegar marinaded steak or something. Things start to blur until we bumped into Deli Delicious where we found more than 10 items to choose from including cheese spread, wraps and hummus.
Again, another blurring of tastes and my pants tightened. We tried mini meat pies from MB & Company and rounded the corner to see that there was no sushi left from Kissho, the new restaurant across from York Hospital. I was disappointed. Everyone was talking about it, so I guess they went back for seconds before I got firsts.
Then we ran into one of the largest crab cakes we had ever seen from Conewago Inn. It was just for display, but the chef said we could visit the restaurant and have it for dinner with two sides for $21.95.
I am getting full just recalling the evening. There was some gigantic meatballs from somewhere and some of the freshest, unique-tasting chocolates from Anstine's Candy Box and then I hit a wall. A big, brick one. I had to pass Central Family Restaurant's homemade desserts and find a seat. But, there was none. So, I stood at a table in the hallway with a plate full of food that I had no idea where it had come from. I ate most of it, but had to throw my hands up in defeat....and I didn't even take all there was to offer, not even close.
I have to tell you, this event is a great way to showcase the area restaurants and raise money for the community. When we couldn't find a sip of water for less than $3, we retreated to OffCenter Grill where we found free water and a refreshing Blue Moon.
Yum! That sounded great. Nice job on the Utterli!
You Kids Rock!
I was there as well and ate a lot of good food. The problems I have with this event (my second time attending) is the ability to get a free beverage aside from a wine sample. The $35 ticket could pay for some free water. The other is the cattle hearding layout. While most people are pleasant, some believe you ought to stand in line and move forward every few minutes. I feel the layout needs to make the tables more accessible and putting the people who wish to stand and chat somewhere else. Overall a decent experience. My favorites were the meat balls from Chapps at the Hill and Filet from the Yorktowne.