My friend Rene graciously extended an invitation to join her at the 12 Mile Meal Chef Battle event at the Northampton Jazz Fest last weekend. I happily accepted, had a fantastic time, and hope to attend next year. 12 Mile Meal is an organization that promotes the idea of eating meals made with food made locally within a 12 Mile radius. Their business mantra is "The Right Choice for your Health, the Community and the Environment." They have charter memberships available for like-minded organizations, offer up newsy tidbits about what is happening locally in Western Massachusetts and participate in events that match their mission.
The three restaurants competing this year were Viva Fresh Pasta, Sierra Grille and Galaxy Restaurant. The contest is judged by a panel of judges and food is prepared for the judges along with a table of Diner Donors for each restaurant. Restaurants receive awards for Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert, Best Decorated Table and Best Overall.
I'm pleased we were at the Galaxy Restaurant Table as we had excellent company and hostesses who were both sweet and generous with the wine pour. And, of course, our food was outstanding!
Galaxy's incredible Chicken Stuffed Heirloom Tomato
with a sauce of locally grown corn and a lovely
zucchini salad prepared with shiso leaf. Galaxy won
the award for Best Appetizer!
Our taste buds were enthralled with this delicious,
perfectly grilled local steak with pickled beets,
Mycoterra Farm mushrooms and a butternut squash
sauce. Galaxy takes the award for best Entree!
Our show-stopping dessert of savory biscuit, apple,
plum, plum reduction, husk cherries, creme
fraiche and lavender. No award for dessert,
but this was amazing and award deserving!
Not surprisingly, Galaxy took the overall award. Thank you to Galaxy restaurant and 12 Mile Meal. See you next year. By the way, Galaxy is located in Easthampton. We have enjoyed their delicious food, inventive cocktails and excellent service. Stop by and see them sometime!
