Ortanique Claims Final Battle of the Chefs!

Cooking is the new spectator sport. Primed by the intense drama of shows like Top Chef and Hell’s Kitchen, people want to see blood, sweat, knives, and withering looks flying around the kitchen The huge crowd at La Cuisine’s “Battle of the Chefs” last week demonstrated that Miami is hungry for competitive cooking.

Cindy Hutson of Ortanique on the Mile and Jesse Souza of Chispa were the contenders. It was more Iron Chef than Top Chef, complete with a garrulous host in a suit who kept a running commentary on his microphone. He peppered the chefs with questions as they cooked. The chefs had five minutes to plan and one hour to cook using the following mystery ingredients:

Rabbit

Oysters

Apple wood smoked bacon

Duck fat

Truffle oil

Yucca

Tart shells

Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme

Dried blueberries

Shredded coconut

Of course, I wanted to know what the chefs did with that god-awful marshmallow creme. Team Ortanique impressed the crowd when they spun golden sugar for a cheesecake with Jet-Puffed topping. Team Chispa used the marshmallow creme as one-third of a trio of tarts; the tart consisted of peanut butter, marshmallow creme, and peaches. For both teams, torching the Jet-Puffed went a long way in making the white goo more palatable.

The four judges were especially pleased with the presentation, and pastry chef Hedy Goldsmith praised the desserts. Both teams scored closely, but Ortanique carried the day!

Hopefully, La Cuisine will continue these events next summer. This was unfortunately the final installment, although their website still incorrectly states that there will be another battle in August.

One small complaint. It’s hard watching so much delicious food pass before your eyes without even a nibble. In my anxiousness to get up close to the “kitchen stadium” I passed on the finger foods. I was weak with hunger by the end of the battle. The carrot sticks and spinach dip offered as appetizers were no match against the delectable aroma of Cindy Hutson’s curried rabbit anyway. Next time, throw the masses some crumbs!