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Every exclusive dinner have their own trademark theme, and I must say that second time being invited to Hennessy X.O Appreciation Night 2013 is another memorable night. Looking back at the pictures, I still remember how the food taste when Chef Edward Lee came over last year (click here). Cannot deny that the team really pull the whole event into another level, as when I received their classic invitation card I am already looking forward the event, as it mention are going on little trip “Spirit of Conquest” by taking guests on a specially crafted journey of the past, present and future of the original cognac.

At first, it makes me wonder, how this whole thing would be as the location is at Chin Woo Stadium.

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Upon my arrival, all our cars are taken care by the jockey service and I am totally surprise to see that they actually build up a mock up ship for this dinner. Then only realise this is how we going for a conquest.

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 First of all, of course we have to check in and verify ourselves. .

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 and happy to see Bangsar Babe and her husband Rif are into this cruise. . 😀

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Out of my expecatation, I get to see some Uni friends in this event with Sampson, Vincent and Wife. .

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 Of course first thing first, that we are being treated with unlimited amount of Hennessy X.O.

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As walking into the room, they have converted the whole look and feel into classic old sailing ship

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Leather cushion and classic painting are being place into the room to make up the ambiance even better.

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A world map to show where are we heading later.

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As we were called into the dining area, and walk thru the walkway, this totally caught my attention as we are actually dining above  a stunning floating platform on water, to make it looks like actually we are in a ship.

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With the dinning area are well decorated with huge screens are being place at the side and front to make it like a ship window ..

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Transparent panel as walkway that makes it looks like we are actually sailing on sea and projection images on the screen are showing we are actually docking at a modern city at the moment.

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 Reading at the menu for the  night, its all very unique and cant wait to dip into the dishes.

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 With the official Emceeing is Will Quah which is no stranger to all of us .

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Right before the dinner, we were shown a glimpse of what to expect for the night, with video presentation on the screen, showing little history of Hennessy follow by journey of Chef Lee Anne Wong with Hennessy X.O.

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 Nevertheless, it start off by Chef Lee will introduce us on her dishes, and how do we pair it with X.O after that.

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First to be on the table is Parisian Regalia, a foie gras flan with duck confit, green apple and Frisee lettuce.

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It look rather plain when being serve and I am very curious how does it taste like, and it did surprise me that foie gras is cook to perfection as a simple cut on the cube that makes it burst with flavour in smell and taste. It just melts into the mouth and to drink a sip of neat X.O, it makes the taste even more robust. A remarkable dish to kick start with.

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After first dish, it gets us moving around and sharing with drinks and how do we feel about first dish. Apparently every one is impress that makes it a great kick off. Of course with some photo moments with BangsarBabe and another famous blogger Kinkybluefairy.

Another thing that caught my attention is when the first dish is done, the screen of all the panels change to sea view like we are sailing to another place and it is just right, that we are now sailing to China which is our next destination.

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 Golden Crab and Corn Soup

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 with golden crab and corn soup with caviar, lime and coriander accents.

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Then I put in the whole spoon and stir it into the soup. A great combination that makes the soup sweet, bitting off chunks of crab meat and corn along with ebiko that makes it bursting feeling. Had a sip of X.O mix with a bit water and brings out great aroma after taste.!

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 None the less manage to catch up with the guys that night ..

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 In China we are being pamper with classic Chinese music  .. . and moments after that we set sail again to another new location.

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Done with the first two light dishes, then we are serve with modern-global cuisine Western Allure, a bed of cowboy-style peanuts, with salmon place ontop looks like a  sailing ship for me, and I pair it with neat X.O again. The taste brings the peanut very oak flavour and salmon is sweet after taste. Unique!

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Venetian Ambrosia – Chicken with Porchini Mushroom ravioli, truffle paramesan cream is one of the best dish for the night that prepared to perfection that ravioli is al dante.

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 Then we have our very own little Pavoratti performance.

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Looking at the menu, I am loving it as there are 2 types of dessert that going to be serve, and Mazuka Splendour first to arrive. Filled with Syrimiki Cheeze curd fritters, sour cream and dark fruit sauce. A great combination of taste with light sour berry taste and sugar and its origin from Russia.

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 While we are enjoying this dessert, we were entertain with Russian dance.

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 Last country that we are going to visit is Japan . . .

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 Dark Chocolate Ganache to tantilize our taste bud before nice ending of the last dessert.

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Nihon Grandeur . Grapefruit gelee with cream, Grapfruit Ice, and sesame brandysnap. Taste refreshing as it looks with smooth ice and sour grapefruit gelee taste make it well balance in taste.  Brandysnap is crunchy. A perfect dessert to end our wonderful meal.

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Indeed it is another remarkable night with great food and friends. Chef Lee Ann Wong impress all of us with her master culinary skills  with her well known  modern-global fusion cuisine style. Her creation with Hennessy X.O will live in our memory. . With my friend even commented

“Bok, do you remember when we had fine at overseas? All of them taste so good and back in Malaysia cant taste any till tonight. One of the best fine dine dish she ever come across to dine in Malaysia. ” I must agree with her statement. 😀

With that, only I realize why my friend is a big fan of hers. More about her? (click here)

 Special thanks to Hennessy X.O for the invitation again.

With appreciation comes true knowledge; quality cues are discovered and connoisseurs created. One which is true luxury products, including cognac and Hennessy X.O. This journey towards understanding the quality of Hennessy X.O begins with Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows . Some of you might have read previously.

This year Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows Gastronomy finds a true match in three-time James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef Edward Lee, who trained in classical French kitchens, and has tempered this experience with the better part of a decade cooking in 610 Magnolia finagling an invitation to work in the kitchen for the week. Impressed with Lee’s passion and skill, the chef offered him the restaurant less than a year later, and his Southern adventures began. The rest is history.

As this Korean-American Chef Edward Lee, who has challenged culinary royalty on Iron Chef America and won, spent a week immersing himself in the heritage and cultural diversity of Malaysia by literally “eating his way through Kuala Lumpur” in a journey taking him from one revealing mouthful to the next.

On Episode 1, Will Quah brought chef to Selayang wet Market to discover more about our local ingredients.. . .

Episode 2, Heading to Jalan Tun HS Lee for local street food

Episode 3, Moving towards one of the most popular night spot Petaling Street, Chinatown and guess what the chef have discover?

Episode 4, After China Town, the are heading to Little India at Briekfields to have a glimpse of dining with hands by Indian traidion

Episode 5, To experience how urban Malaysians live their lives in the city, Chef takes a brief pause from the heritage trail to indulge in contemporary coffee culture.

With much discovery that the chef move around the town, finding himself absorbing, understanding and reformulating all he has seen, heard and tasted in this whirlwind nonstop eating journey through the city for the upcoming Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows dinner. This gastronomic journey certainly open up his creativity to come up to blend his experience with Hennessy X.O into the food. I am sure it will blast us away with his creating in the menu past April. Click  here for previous exclusive event by Chef Edward Lee

I again felt honor that I was selected to attend one of the most prestigious event by Hennessy that will took place in Penang for year 2012. I was already speechless when I received invites for the last Hennessy X.O appreciation Grows that took place at Hotel Equatorial last May 2012 . Indeed it was one of the best dinner experience I have attended so far, by getting a chance to dine Hennessy X.O pairing with Chef Edward Lee master piece which is a winner from Iron Chef. On that event itself, I was amazed on the whole event flow, on food presentation, live chef video  preparing the meals and of course how to enjoy Hennessy X.O with food.

I am looking forward for month of September that I get to kill two birds with one stone by attending, upcoming Hennessy Artistry then followed by Hennessy X.O appreciation Grows happening in Penang and I am proud that they are going to my hometown for this event.

Lets take a ride back on happenings last year.

Hennessy X.O Penang dinner which was held in May 2011 at Suffolk House Penang that converting the whole place into a dimention for fine dine. It is one of a exclusive event that guest are attending in Black Tie dress code.

With appreciation comes true knowledge; quality cues are discovered and connoisseurs created. This is true of luxury products, including cognac and Hennessy X.O. On Last year’s gastronomic event, the meals are well presented and Chef Cheong Liew was the master creation behind the scene .

Till date, how I remember Hennessy X.O this word was my grandfather’s favorite drink that he used to place his favourite collection on his alcohol shelf and loves to keep it for a few years before drink it. During special occasions he will always bring along a bottle to celebrate.

Well, I guess this whole brand starting point for true originality is as far as 1870, when Maurice Hennessy created Hennessy X.O, the first in the category of X.O cognacs. Elegant and complex, Hennessy X.O is the result of the blending of one hundred eaux-de-vie with an eXtra Old character, laying the foundation for a rich heritage from which Hennessy X.O continually innovates to be at the forefront of modernity.

Guess who will be the master chef line up for Penang Gastronomy for Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows Penang 2012. Will be this new kid on the block that have tough love qualities along with the commitment, passion, and above all, dedication to excellence that had made him being nominated for the World Gourmet Summit Awards of Excellence ‘Rising Chef of the Year’ in 2010 and 2011, with FiftyThree,  his restaurant that opens its door at year 2009 and nominated as ‘Best Restaurant’ in 2011. Notably, FiftyThree was featured as one of World’s 50 Best Restaurants ‘Regional Spotlight –Singapore’, and on CNNgo.com’s Best Eats 2010 asSingapore’s Best Gourmet Restaurant of 2010 – Singaporean Chef Micheal Han

Not only that, Michael is no stranger to Penang culture and cuisine, having grown up with a nanny fromPenangand “a steady diet of Penang Laksa”, these influences can be found in his cooking today. Michael’s upcoming menu at Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows 2012 in Penang is highly anticipated as he will be utilizing local Penang favorites, we will be following him for a Pre-Event Food Trail by  deconstructing them in a modern way while maintaining the essence of what is already familiar. Here is what we gonna enjoy in Penang this weekend similar to what Chef Edward Lee and Will Quah had done to Petaling Street as video below:

I am looking forward for this food trail along with this young Chef Micheal Han by learning along with his experience. He kick off his career in a fine dining restaurant Au Jardin before moving on to stints at The Fat Duck, L’Enclume and Anthony’s in England, Mugaritz in San Sebastian, Spain and Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark.

After this food trail, he will then present his master creation from September 26th to 28th 2012. The event will be held in Penang within the chapel of St. Joseph’s Novitiate Flanked by Gurney Drive and Kelawai Road, the historic building was built in 1925 as quarters for novices for St. Joseph’s Training College. To many Penangnites, Gurney Paragon is no stranger to us for its new location of dining that keep that building restored and updated in with its contemporary surroundings, it is a physical embodiment of the values that encompass Hennessy X.O.

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If you do follow my blog, last round I was invited to attend an exclusive dinner by Hennessy X.O to dine a superb dinner that prepare by the chef. (click here)

Who is Chef Edward Lee?

Chef Edward Lee’s story – and his food – could only happen in America. One part Southern soul, one part Asian spice, and one part New York attitude, Lee is a Korean-American who grew up in Brooklyn, trained in classical French kitchens, and has spent the better part of a decade cooking in Louisville, Kentucky.

Lee’s passion for food is only surpassed by his sense of adventure; it is, after all, what took him to Louisville from a successful career in New York City. In 2001, on a cross-country road trip, Lee wound up in Louisville during Derby Week, the busiest dining week of the year. On a tip from a friend, he sought out the eccentric chef of a local gem called 610 Magnolia, finagling an invitation to work in the kitchen for the week. Impressed with Lee’s passion and skill, the chef offered him the restaurant less than a year later, and his Southern adventures began. The rest is history.

As this Korean-American Chef Edward Lee, who has challenged culinary royalty on Iron Chef America and won, spent a week immersing himself in the heritage and cultural diversity of Malaysia by literally “eating his way through Kuala Lumpur” in a journey taking him from one revealing mouthful to the next.

Every chef are learning new things and ingredients when they are on a new country. On Episode 1, Will Quah brought chef to Selayang wet Market to discover more about our local ingredients.. . .

Check out the Video below:

 

One of the night to be remembered that recently I got one exclusive event invites that makes me excited is this Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows. One of the reason is, we will get a chance to dine and pairing with Cognac that feature winner Chef Edward Lee from Iron Chef versus José Garces. I just could not wait for the event to happen.

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One of the best invites so far that I have gotten and when I read the dress code, Black Tie I have to scratch my head for a moment as all my clothing left at hometown. As I am left with 2 days before the event, have to borrow a coat from my friend along with a tie to prepare myself for this grand event. The event took place at Hotel Equatorial. .

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Here am I, for the first time in this close private functions and I am amaze how they transform this whole place into classy looking environment.

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The star drink for tonight is Hennessy X.O.

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Upon arrival, we are greeted with drinks from the bar, friendly waiter being ready to serve you anytime to have your drink neat, with water or soda. I always love to have my first glass neat to try out the taste then follow by water. 😀

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Here you go as the new Hennessy X.O are being package into their new sexy curvy bottle.

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We just have bottomless drink as our glass never runs dry. Whenever it half way trough and it was filled up by this effective and pretty girls.

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Here we are and glad to see some of the bloggers (from left) – Wei Chin (KampungBoyCityGirl) , Me, Cheng Yi (Fatboybakes), Umei (CuminCiki) and Alison (Aly’s Wonderland).

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This is what I mean the transformation of the place that they did. .

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As we were gesture to head towards the main room, along the walkway are being filled with chef picture with candles to made up the place event more classy.

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I just love this rack that makes the new bottle of Hennessy X.O so classy futuristic!

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As went into the main function room, I am blown away with a huge wide display panel as staging background with all the wording effects.

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The seating are all being arrange and here is my seat with my name on it. Best of all, they have an electronic photo panel to show you what’s the menu and what are the itinerary for the night along with feature cuisine!

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Will Quah being the Emmce for the night . .

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Here we go, being brought into a new dimension on featuring the whole event by using a huge wide panel . .

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Follow by dance performance on the original story of the Heritage of Hennessy XO. Performed by international dancer and choreographer Soufiane Karim. Instead of pictures cant tell much, I decided to record it down with video on the superb performance.

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 Frederick Noyere, Managing Director of Moet & Hennessy Diageo

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follow by another 3-D lighting performance to reveal the new product!

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Salud means bless you in Spanish, often use in tossing.

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Never thought that I would see this happen in my eyes as this scene often happen in those reality program or shows that right before before each course, the chef appears on the screen to explain the inspirations behind the dish.

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They even show a glimpse of moment showing live what’s happening in the kitchen. Impressive!

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All of us are anxious for our food to arrive as we were prepared that how good the food will taste like.

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First dish for the night, a starter called Mosaic

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A colourful plate of starter with each side being carefully cut in squares, as each of the fresh ahi tuna & kona kampachi being paired along with a slice of tropical fruits each. I tried each slice itself as the tuna are very fresh and followed by combining both together gives another level of taste. Best to pair it along to get the best fresh and sweet taste of fruits at the end, every one just clear this dish in moments. Follow by a sip of cognac just brings out the aroma of sweetness.

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Piquant is the next feature dish with lobster, sea urchin & salmon skin

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Upon pouring the sauce onto the plate it smells so nice and sweet, just cant wait to have my fork to pick up each slice to put into my mouth. Indeed turns out to be the best among the feature dish, with one of a simple reason. Everything is fresh, simple yet get to taste the best out of it.

Paprika-spiced chilled sweet corn soup is just amazing on how the chef did it, as the chill gravy paired very well with with lobster that able to brings the best taste in both world without overpowering each other. The gravy/soup is just something we could not have enough. Wish it could be more! Everyone is enjoying this dish and satisfied look at the end!

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Oriental serve along with lovely lemongrass-chili vinaigrette heightened with pickled jicama & Japanese eggplant. Not easy to cook a nice scallop which is pan fried on both side to maintain its best form upon serving and it was well presented. Slice the scallop and eat along with the sauce prepare and follow with a sip of X.O makes the taste even more exquisite.

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Then during dinner there is a bottle of Limited Edition of Hennessy Methusalem that package in a custom made lamb skin covered traveling case in a 6 litre bottle. It is interesting on how they extract the cognac out from the bottle by using a long Rod!

The taste is much stronger, yet the after taste is mild towards the end. It is indeed one of a unique item as the production of this special edition are limited.

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Provocateur is the main being serve and the name itself also sound umph! Steak tenderloin cooked with chocolate, jalapeno and decorated with toasted sesame seeds, with sides of spinach & mushrooms

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Unfortunately my portion wasnt this, as mine is near to well done ..

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Seductrice is one of the dish that many people hype about it as I should have chosen dish for my mains. Many like this because of its soft inside out and served with a pureed smoked sweet potato & Chinese cabbage

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As the night proceed and we were entertain by a live jazz band and the singer is from Penang too . .Yay~

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To end our night Allure came along on our table. Brioche crusted dark chocolate genoise cake, served with red beet syrup, and lightly sprinkled with pistachio & walnuts. Just a perfect way to end this marvelous meal!

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At the end of our meal, here comes Chef Edward Lee being presented at the end. The mastermind behind all this superb meal.

It was a great night being the first time attending such event and surely a memorable one as the dish are just marvelous by pairing along with Hennessy X.O is just another level of taste being created.

Surely I am looking forward for more in the future ~

One of the cool events coming up that I just cant wait which is happening very very soon. Its about Hennessy X.O Appreciation Grows dinner series, which will be meticulously orchestrated by Chef Edward Lee this 18-21 April 2012 that turns out to be one of the most celebrated event for the year.

During the dinner Hennessy X.O is going to showcase into the originality of its makers in creating a superior product and birthing the prestige spirits market as with this Hennessy X.O’s “Appreciation Grows” that aim to define excellence, quality, originality and heritage of Hennessy X.O

I am one Hennessy X.O lover myself and to feature this great spirit by featuring true creations on celebrating the the brand its something unique also with many years pass by, the spirit also evolve and will look forward on the introduction of the Hennessy New Pack and Hennessy X.O Mathusalem.

Nevertheless, I have seen the profile of Chef Edward Lee and I must share his profile with you guys:

chefedwardlee

EDWARD LEE
EXECUTIVE CHEF
OWNER OF 610 MAGNOLIA

Chef Edward Lee’s story – and his food – could only happen in America. One part Southern soul, one part Asian spice, and one part New York attitude, Lee is a Korean-American who grew up in Brooklyn, trained in classical French kitchens, and has spent the better part of a decade cooking in Louisville, Kentucky.
Lee’s passion for food is only surpassed by his sense of adventure; it is, after all, what took him to Louisville from a successful career in New York City. In 2001, on a cross-country road trip, Lee wound up in Louisville during Derby Week, the busiest dining week of the year. On a tip from a friend, he sought out the eccentric chef of a local gem called 610 Magnolia, finagling an invitation to work in the kitchen for the week. Impressed with Lee’s passion and skill, the chef offered him the restaurant less than a year later, and his Southern adventures began. The rest is history.

A James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Southeast in 2011, he has been featured in Gourmet and Esquire magazines, defeated Iron Chef Jose Garces on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” appeared on the CBS “Early Show” preparing an eclectic three-course meal for a family of four for under $40, and was most recently seen on “Top Chef: Texas.” Lee continues to seek out adventure, whether fishing bare-handed in a Kentucky creek, hunting for venison, working in a slaughterhouse or dropping in on a friend’s restaurant to cook for a few days. He approaches his professional and culinary life with candor, humor, and –most importantly – the same spirit of adventure that was the original impetus for his success.

I just cant wait to attend this event and I shall share what had happen in the event on my next blog post . .hehe~

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