in search of the perfect date

2007 California Date Chef Competition

Finalist Entries

Appetizers

"Deglet Noor Tamale with Chicken & Smoked Jalapenos Oaxacan Style, Zahidi Date Mole, Halawy Date Horchata" by Mark Sickenberger, Assistant Executive Chef - Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Banning, California

 

"Pan Seared Scallops with Foie Gras & Date Puree" by Gregory Wiener, Chef - Ristorante Tuscany - Desert Springs JW Marriott, Palm Desert, California

 

"American Kobe, Date & Scallop Trio" by Valerie Gray, Banquet Chef - Space Needle Restaurant, Seattle Washington

 

"Salad La Mancha" by Gerald Brinkman, Chef/Owner - Wellesley Hotel, Thousand Island Park, New York

Entrées

"Date Stuffed Pork Roulade" by Jose Luis Bravo, Banquet Chef - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California

 

"Grilled Free-range Chicken with Deglet Noor & Jalapenos Glaze" by Eddie Garcia, Sous Chef - Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, Banning, California

 

 

"Filet Mignon in Wild Mushroom & Bacon Crust with Khadrawy Demi Sauce" by Joselito Asistio, Bistro Chef - Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California

 

"Maine Lobster with Potato Gnocchi & Date Butter" by Ian Delroy Small, Sous Chef - Ristorante Tuscany, Desert Springs JW Marriott, Palm Desert, California

Desserts

"Out on a Date - A Dessert Sampler: Date & Nutmeg Crème Caramel, Fleur de Sel Chocolate Cookie & Date Ice Cream Sandwich, Date & Walnut Tartlet with Brandied Whipped Cream, Date & White Chocolate Mousse on a Rum Soaked Date and Raisin Chocolate Financier Sponge" by Calvin Yeap, Assistant Pastry Chef - The Club at Morningside, Rancho Mirage, California

 

"Date Chocolate Timbale with Orange Confit" by Jerome Diop, Senior Pastry Chef - Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells, California

 

"Date Bread Pudding with Almond Chocolate Dipped Date and Bourbon Sauce" by Brett Maddock, Executive Chef - Arnold Palmer's Restaurant, La Quinta, California