Thanks to Scenes from Dinner I’ve been given so many opportunities to check out cool local events and exciting grand openings. Last night, I was lucky enough to be invited to Smashed Apple’s exclusive Live Chef Demo at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery in Amherstburg.
The Live Chef Demo featured head chef and owner Bill Deslippe cooking a unique four course meal in front of an audience of 80+ people. The audience were sat in rows of 15-20 people all facing the front stage where a camera crew filmed and took photos which were projected on a large screen for optimal viewing.
My love for Smashed Apple started years ago when I first ran into their food truck at the annual Bluesfest event on Riverside Drive. Unsurprisingly my first order was their famous “Deep Fried Mac N Cheese Balls” which I immediately fell in love with. From that day forward, I always sought out Smashed Apple at the battle of the Hors d’oeuvre event each year to taste test their new creations. The cooking flavours and uniqueness of each dish was mouth-watering and were always made with the freshest local ingredients.
Last night Chef Bill’s menu for the Live Demo was filled with Fall flavours and ingredients from local farms like Mailloux.
First Course
Fall Harvest Salad with Sautéed Kale, Roasted Acorn Squash, Toasted Pecans, Toasted Pomegranate Seeds, Goat Cheese, Pears and a Dijon Vinaigrette.
Chef Bill’s step-by-step instructions for his delicious vinaigrette will be incredibly helpful at my next dinner party.
Second Course
Brussel Sprout Hash with Roasted Sweet Potato, Dried Cran and Cashews and a Sweet and Spicy Vinaigrette.
For this course, chef Bill deep fried the brussel sprouts in a pot with roughly 1 litre of oil. He mentioned that this could also be done in a pan with even less oil but would need to be cooked for a longer period of time.
Third Course
Brazed Beef Shortrib with Sautéed Mushrooms and Crispy Shalets
My favourite meal of the night. As soon as the shortrib hit the pan and started to sizzle the aroma of the marinade wafted through the entire room. The beef was so tender it literally fell off the bone. The fresh mushrooms were sourced from locally owned and operated Highline Mushrooms.
Fourth Course
Deconstructed Apple Crumble with Spiced Mascarpone, Brown Butter Granola and Toasted Coconut
What’s a meal without dessert? The deconstructed apple crumble was a sweetest way to end the night.
Make sure to subscribe to Smashed Apple’s YouTube channel and follow them on Facebook and Instagram to keep your eye out for more fun events like the Live Chef Demo.
