2011 Is the Year to Love American Lamb

DENVER, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2011, the American Lamb Board is bringing the pasture to plate story to life with its first Shepherd to Chef campaign and a national Lamb Jam tour, connecting consumers with lamb from across the land.  Highlighting local lamb producers and renowned chefs in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC, the American Lamb Board is featuring flavorful American Lamb recipes, videos and dedicated profiles about each lambassador on www.AmericanLamb.com.  Additionally, shepherds and chefs will host Lamb Jam tasting events in their local markets, where lamb lovers can enjoy some of the country's chefs preparing fresh American lamb dishes.

Shepherd to Chef

From migrating sheep that roam the picturesque hills of Napa Valley to wooly breeds protected by llama "bouncers" in Massachusetts, the Shepherd to Chef program reflects the diversity of domestic lamb production and follows the path from the land to the kitchen.  Featured shepherds and chefs are:

Boston, MA

Chef Michael Scelfo, Russell House Tavern

Shepherd Lisa Dachinger, River Valley Farm

Washington, D.C.

Chef Nick Stefanelli, Bibiana

Shepherd Craig Rogers, Border Springs Farms

San Francisco, CA

Chef Matt Accarrino, SPQR

Shepherd Don Watson, Napa Valley Lamb

Seattle, WA

Chef Liam Spence, LOLA

Shepherd Reed Anderson, Anderson Ranches

"Our national Shepherd to Chef campaign is about celebrating the versatility of lamb across the country by highlighting just a handful of the remarkable people that are dedicated to raising, supporting and serving flavorful American Lamb," said Megan Wortman, Executive Director, American Lamb Board.

Lamb Jam Tour 2011

Consumers will also have the opportunity to sample delicious lamb dishes at five Lamb Jam tasting events held in Boston, Washington D.C., San Francisco, and Seattle as well as the first national competition among the best in the country in New York City.  In each market, Lamb Jam will feature twenty chefs who compete head-to-head for top honors as they create succulent dishes using local lamb and match their dishes with local wine and beer.  In New York City, the winners from each market will cook for the title of Lamb Jam Master.  2011 tour dates are:

• Boston, MA – February 20, www.fansoflambboston.com
• Washington, D.C. – May 22, www.fansoflambdc.com
• San Francisco, CA – July 17, www.fansoflambsanfrancisco.com
• Seattle, WA – October 23, www.fansoflambseattle.com
• New York City – September 25, www.americanlamb.com

Fresh American lamb is raised in every state.  Flavorful local lamb is available year-round at grocery stores nationwide. To view the Shepherd to Chef video series, brochure, recipes or profiles, please visit www.AmericanLamb.com.  For more information about the American Lamb Board, become a fan on Facebook or follow @FANofLAMB on Twitter.  

About the American Lamb Board

The American Lamb Board is an industry-funded research and promotions commodity board that represents all sectors of the American Lamb industry including producers, feeders, seed stock producers and processors. The Board, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, is focused on increasing demand by promoting the freshness, flavor, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility of American Lamb. The work of the American Lamb Board is overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the board's programs are supported and implemented by the staff in Denver, Colorado.

For more information about the American Lamb Board, please contact Chloe Mata Crane ([email protected]) or Marliese Engel Traver ([email protected]) at Baltz & Company—212-982-8300

SOURCE American Lamb Board