Celebrity Chef Challenge Event Information

Adam Pechal of Tuli Bistro was on hand to defend his
2008 Celebrity Chef Challenge title against:
Shawn Menard of Chops Steaks, Seafood and Bar
Charles Connell of the Doubletree Hotel
Obadiah Huetter of Mangos Restaurant at Arden Hills Resort Club & Spa
Enrique Mondragon of SacTown Café & Catering
Amateur Competitor Tim Ray of AT&T supported by
Chris Lombardi of Hangar 17 Bar and Grill

Each chef was given 45 minutes to turn 5 secret ingredients into three
power-packed dishes. The 2009 secret ingredients were:
Japanese Coturnix Quail provided by Preferred Meats
Liquid Sunshine Blonde Ale provided by Hoppy Brewing Company
Peppers (variety) provided by General Produce
Red Raspberries provided by General Produce
Sea Scallops provided by Pacific Seafood

Chefs were provided fresh produce from General Produce and additional
staple ingredients including spices, oils and more from Mani Imports.

2009 Event Emcees Edie Lambert of KCRA 3 and Dennis Mangers,
Senior Adviser to Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg followed the
chefs through their culinary battle as celebrity judges determined "Whose
Cuisine Reigned Supreme!"
The 2009 Celebrity Chef Challenge judging panel included:
Guy Farris of Sacramento & Co.
Melissa Crowley of Sacramento & Co.
Lee Perkins of V101.1 R&B and Old School
Michael Anthony of SacDine.com
Lloyd Levine, former State Assembly member
Eddie Gilbert, finalist on the Next Food Network Star

And whose culinary masterpiece earned the gold? For his second year in a
row, Adam Pechal of Tuli Bistro followed closely by Charles Connell of
the Doubletree Hotel and Obadiah Huetter of Mangos Restaurant at Arden
Hills Resort Club & Spa who tied for second place.

As guests watched the culinary styling's of the competing chefs, they were
treated to samples of food, wine and more from over 60 local
vendorsscattered throughout the museum floor, so when guests weren't
eating, drinking or enjoying the competition, they were admiring over
72,000 square feet of automotive excellence. -more-