Bay Area Jams Out to American Lamb

DENVER, July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- At the second annual Lamb Jam on Sunday, July 17, at the Golden Gate Club, the American Lamb Board partnered with California lamb producers and Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance to bring summer flavors to the table.  Sixteen talented chefs showcased the versatility of California lamb with distinct dishes, utilizing loin, shoulder, shank and leg cuts, as they battled it out for top honors and a chance to compete in a Master Lamb Jam in New York City.  

"We were thrilled to have so many of San Francisco's top culinary stars celebrate local lamb with refreshing summer dishes that inspired fans to get their grill on this summer," said Megan Wortman, Executive Director of the American Lamb Board.  "We welcome Chef Adam Mali to the Lamb Jam hall of fame and wish him luck at Master Lamb Jam in New York this fall."

Lamb loving attendees enjoyed sips of local beer, more than 100 wines from Paso Robles, watched a butchery demonstration by chef Matthew Accarrino of SPQR and shepherd Don Watson of Napa Valley Lamb, created their own swag bags and enjoyed tastes from competing chefs, who received the following notable accolades:

• Best in Show / Best Shank: Chef Adam Mali, Nick's Cove

Braised Lamb Shank, Lemon-stewed Cannelini Beans, Lavender-Mint Gremolata

• People's Choice: Chef Jessica Gorin, ThirstyBear Brewing Company

Grilled Lamb Loin with Polenta, Mission Figs and Marcona Almond

• Best Leg: Chef Dino Vazquez, Eastside West Restaurant & Bar

Spicy Lamb and Lemongrass Soup "Hue" Style

• Best Loin: Chef Banks White, Five Restaurant & Bar

Roasted Lamb Loin, Piquillo Pepper Jam, House Yogurt, Cumin Chimichurri

• Best Shoulder: Chef Yang Peng, Wood Tavern Restaurant

Braised Lamb Shoulder, Chickpea Puree, Fava Beans, Chimichurri, Herb Salad

Chef Adam Mali from Nick's Cove will take his "Best in Show" win to New York, where he will battle winning chefs from around the country in a Master Lamb Jam at City Winery on September 25.

For more information about the American Lamb Board, visit www.FansoflambSanFrancisco.com, like the American Lamb Board 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.

SOURCE American Lamb Board