The Return to Foodie Wonderland Part 2
Last Sunday, I got my religion handed to me in the form of fried chicken wings, brisket, beets, a whole lot of different booze and other incredible foods during this year’s Chefs For Farmers Main Event, or what I prefer calling it, Foodie Wonderland.
My first stop was one I’d regrettably missed last year called The Biscuit Bar. Here Jeffrey Hobbs and Jake Depew of Slow Bone concocted something life changing called Randall’s Biscuits, fried chicken, and Jason’s Double Secret Probation Gravy. Oh, and it was served with a slice of thick cut peppered bacon, plus you had your choice of dressing those soft baby biscuits with jalapeño jelly, fresh honey butter and Sriacha. I chose the first two. Worth every additional dress size.
After packing on pounds during round one, my eyes met the transcendent marbling provided by the good folks at Hutchins BBQ where they sampled jalapeño cheddar sausage and brisket. Although brisket is a big deal in this state, it’s taken me years to come around to the beefy stuff. I have now come around, and wanted to make three more rounds to those tender rich slices of brisket and cheesy, spicy sausage from Hutchins.
One of the most enjoyable experiences during CFF aside from the food, music, and overall great vibes are the booze. This year was no exception. Patron featured a divine Chefs For Farmers Signature Cocktail by Jesse Powell of Parliament called, The Woodshed. I first experienced this delightful beverage during the CFF Mix Off earlier this year. It combines Roco Silver Patron, Mesquite Wood Syrup, Tobacco flavored Tincture, Mesquite Wood, lemon juice, and rose water. It’s like drinking a light fall day while skipping through the forest. Other notable elixirs were a pleasant summery cocktail by Belvedere Vodka and the simplistic yet refreshing Seersucker Gin paired with different flavors of San Pellegrino Sparkling Water. For beer, my burps went straight to Neato Bandito by Deep Ellum Brewing Co. And, because I am a self-proclaimed wino of sorts, all of the wines featured hold a special place in my glass, but it was Caricature that I couldn’t get enough of.
Voting for the best dish during CFF is hands down more difficult than voting for President of the United States. All of the candidates are qualified, and they all bring something incredible to the table. This year however, for the Best Dish Judges Choice at CFF went to Jesse Houston of Saltine Oyster Bar in Jackson, Mississippi.
Once again my experience with CFF was memorable. I left food coma happy and ready for a pillow. This Down-Home No-Fuss Culinary Event of the Year isn’t just an outing, it’s a movement. TXmb