FoodBuzz / Electrolux Event with Chef Brad Steelman of The River Cafe

(Photo courtesy of Sue, Food Network Musings.

Pictured: Yolanda, Kosher Soul Food; Chef Brad Steelman,
The River Cafe; Michelle, Taste As You Go; and Grace, Grace[is]Full)

Less than a week after I was welcomed into the FoodBuzz Featured Publishers program, I received a last-minute invitation to a Featured Publishers event, co-sponsored by Electrolux, at Relais & Châteaux on East 53rd Street. Not wanting to miss out on attending my first official event, I RSVP'd almost immediately in the affirmative.




 As we signed into the event, we were all given miniature digital cameras to use throughout the evening. Great idea, in theory. Unfortunately, I was never able to retrieve the photos I took with the camera because the USB cable included in the box didn't fit the camera (it was too big). Thankfully, my new foodie friends are being great about sharing their fantastic photos of the event!

Armed with a glass of white wine, I began sampling some of the hors-d'oeuvres being passed around, including a spoonful of braised suckling pig, topped with butternut squash and a toasted marshmallow. Um, hello? Delicious!

(Photo courtesy of Christo, ChezWhat?)

What followed was a bit of puffed pastry topped with chicken salad. Just as delicious and surprisingly light.

(Photo courtesy of Sue, Food Network Musings)

And, I tried the dreaded olive once again by sampling some miniature crostini with olive tapenade, goat cheese, and a sliver of pimento.

(Photo courtesy of Grace, Grace[is]full)

Eventually, the Electrolux demonstration began, and we all crowded around kitchen display to watch as Chef Steelman explained some of the features of the wall oven and the induction cooktop and shared some tips about brining turkey and cooking mushrooms for a delicious risotto. Speaking of that risotto... Doesn't this just look fantastic? Creamy, full of flavor, and finished with some mascarpone cheese.

(Photo courtesy of Sue, Food Network Musings)

I know, I know, your mouth is totally watering, right? Our mouths were watering, too. When we were finally served some turkey sliders, made with the turkey perfectly roasted in the Electrolux wall oven, our stomachs were definitely growling.

(Photo courtesy of Christo, ChezWhat?)

Roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, all piled high on a delicious bun. What more could you ask for from a holiday-inspired meal? And, after inquiring whether I could sample a slider without cranberry sauce (boo to my cranberry allergy), one was delivered to me sans sauce. So amazing! And, I'm really grateful to the accommodation for my food allergy! Just when we thought we couldn't eat any more, out came dessert!

(Photo courtesy of Christo, ChezWhat?)

How adorable are those miniature pumpkins filled with crème brûlée? Chef Steelman sliced off the top of the pumpkins, roasted them, and then filled them with the custard and prepared them as you would a typical crème brûlée. As if that wasn't enough, we also each got to try some pecan shortbread. I was so stuffed by the night's end that I didn't think it could get any better.

But it did! Before we all started gathering our coats and braving the chilly wind, a winner was chosen for the raffle. The prize? A $100 gift certificate for The River Cafe, where Chef Steelman is the Executive Chef. The winner? Me!! I couldn't believe it when I heard my name called. When I got home from the event, I took a look at the menu online and cannot wait to use that gift certificate!

All in all, it was a great night out. I learned a lot and met some fantastic new friends. To hear what they had to say about the FoodBuzz / Electrolux event and to see more of their pictures, check out their blogs:

* Sue, Food Network Musings / It's All The Buzz
* Christo, ChezWhat? / electrolux
* Grace, Grace[is]full / Foodbuzz night with Electrolux

Taste As You Go Disclaimer: I was provided with the opportunity to attend this event at no cost. I do not accept monetary compensation for writing about my experiences. All opinions expressed are my own.