The 4th Annual Best Chef Cook Off brought out some of Morgantown's best local restaurants to compete head-to-head to be named Morgantown's "Best Chef" or recognized as having the "Best Italian Dish." The event, which proceeds benefit the Morgantown History Museum, was held Thursday, Aug. 4, at Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa.
I went to last year's event and had a great time, so I was happy to spend $25 to do it again. It sees quite the turnout; so I suggest getting there early so you have a place to sit with your party. This year's theme was "Italian," so there was a good bit of Italian food, with others mixed in for fun. Sher Yip took all the incredible photos you see here.
Atomic Grill - Wild boar stuffed eggplant, serve with homemade meatballs
Definitely was into that wild boar stuffing! Delish.
Definitely was into that wild boar stuffing! Delish.
Iron Horse Tavern - Miso-glazed pork shanks, butter greens with a yuzu vinaigrette
What a tender piece of meat! I loved the nice little fresh salad on the side, too.
What a tender piece of meat! I loved the nice little fresh salad on the side, too.
Table 9 - Braised pork, ricotta, arugula, balsamic berries
Table 9 had a simple, but fresh and smart plate. Tasty.
Table 9 had a simple, but fresh and smart plate. Tasty.
Hill & Hollow - Trout & mussel cioppino with saffron butter; Pork cracklins with green tomato chow chow & smoked goose gravy
I can always count on Hill & Hollow to do something a little different!
I can always count on Hill & Hollow to do something a little different!
Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa - Bouquet of vegetable rose tart, seared flank steak served with smoke balsamic fig glaze over roasted vegetable ragu
This was delicious. It's a beautifully plated - showing off some technique here - and well-balanced dish.
This was delicious. It's a beautifully plated - showing off some technique here - and well-balanced dish.
The Lakehouse - Antipasto salad with homemade Italian dressing; Pan-seared filet in a vibrant marsala sauce served with roasted eggplant risotto; Limoncello with white chocolate truffles
I put my photo of the limoncello bites here, because they were probably the best thing I had all night. My gosh, amazing.
I put my photo of the limoncello bites here, because they were probably the best thing I had all night. My gosh, amazing.
Flying Fish & Co - Smoked salmon carpaccio with caprese salad (lemon/rosemary-brined smoked salmon, topped with a caper/green apple carpaccio sauce; on a bed of arugula, green basil, fresh asiago, feta crumbles and local heirloom tomatoes and dressed with blueberry balsamic vinaigrette)
This is a fairly simple dish, but each of the components were fresh and well-executed.
This is a fairly simple dish, but each of the components were fresh and well-executed.
Regatta Bar & Grille - Melon & prosciutto caprese (blackberry-infused cantaloupe, mint and basil gelee, prosciutto, ricotta foam and fig crumble); Tiella sushi (local zucchini, squash, heirloom tomatoes and potatoes with local salt, wrapped in sashimi risotto and rice paper. Served with watermelon-pickled cucumber, balsamic soy glaze, and basabi made with local basil)
I love that Regatta always brings it. Does something different. They really went all out. I've had this sushi roll before from them (or at least something similar), but this was even better. The texture of the tomato really made me thing I was eating actual fish for a second. Pretty cool.
I love that Regatta always brings it. Does something different. They really went all out. I've had this sushi roll before from them (or at least something similar), but this was even better. The texture of the tomato really made me thing I was eating actual fish for a second. Pretty cool.
Winners
Best Italian Dish: Atomic
Best Chef (2nd place): Lakehouse
Best Chef (1st place): MK Ohlinger
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