Cows ‘n Cabs – My night as a pretend Top Chef judge

An event where I can swear a flannel shirt and jeans? Yes please!

Last night I was lucky enough to attend the annual Cows ‘n Cabs event, benefiting the Community Food & Outreach Center and Elevate Orlando.

So I borrowed some fancy cowboy boots and hit the town to get-down at Winter Park’s West Meadow.  This was the fourth year of the event, which, as the name suggests, features a lot meat and a lot of wine.

More than 18 of Central Florida’s top restaurants and chefs prepped tastings of menu favorites.  Some of the restaurants included 4 Rivers Smokehouse, Kres, Se7en Bites, Bluezoo, K Restaurant and more.  Plus, some of my favorite dessert places were on hand, including P is for Pie and Peterbrooke Chocolate.

The vibe of the event was great – everything/everyone was comfortable and laid back.  I somewhat felt like a judge in a Top Chef restaurant.  We walked from table, to table, picking up small dishes of food.  I played Gail Simmons to my husband’s Tom Colicchio.  I don’t know how the real judges do it.  Everything was so good and I was full pretty quick!

The craziest thing of the night, the Cow Pig’En from 4 Rivers. What is it you ask? John says think TurDuck’en, but cow, pig, chicken, stuffing all smoked until tender.

My other personal favorite, the dark chocolate, sea salt caramel, pretzel s’more from Peterbrook Chocolate.  These people never disappoint!

It was a great night, wonderful food, perfect weather and just a great time!  Can’t wait until next year!

 

Disclaimer: I was invited as a blogger to this event and given two credentials.  I was not asked to write about the event, but I am because it was awesome and you should go next year.  These opinions are my own.  However, it’s hard for me to find food I don’t like!