West Coast Chef Named Lamb Jam Master in National Cooking Competition

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 25, the American Lamb Board, in partnership with Share Our Strength®, brought four culinary kings and their winning dishes from four U.S. cities to New York City for the ultimate baaa-ttle.  Hosted by Food Network personality Amanda Freitag, Adam Mali of MarketBar in San Francisco, CA, was crowned the 2011 "Lamb Jam Master" by a panel of esteemed media judges for his Braised Lamb Shank with Lemon Stewed Cannellini Beans and Lavender-Mint Gremolata. More than 200 fans of lamb named Mark Bodinet of Copperleaf Restaurant in Seattle the "People's Choice" for his Grilled Lamb Shoulder Confit with Creamy Parsnips and Preserved Huckleberries.

"From San Francisco to New York, Chef Mali's dish took home top honors and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Lamb Jam Hall of Fame," said Megan Wortman, Executive Director of the American Lamb Board.

Fans of lamb wolfed down competing dishes from Jason Santos (Boston), John Critchley (Washington DC) and lambtastic tastes from local lamb lovers at The Meatball Shop, Pera Mediterranean Brasserie, Dickson's Farmstand Meats and Old Chatham Sheepherding Company.  Local beer and wine from Foggy Ridge Cider, Harpoon, Paso Robles and Washington Wines were paired with competing dishes as attendees savored sips of Jefferson's Bourbon, a "ridiculously small batch" bourbon from Louisville.  A local artist got the baaa-ty started with pasture caricatures of guests and their flocks before lamb lovers counted sheep and created their own spice rubs.  

As the national partner for the 2012 Lamb Jam tour, a percentage of proceeds from Lamb Jam Masters will benefit Share Our Strength®, a nonprofit organization that is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives.  

The 2012 Lamb Jam tour kicks off in Seattle on Oct. 23, 2011.  For more information about the 2012 tour, visit www.Fansoflamb.com.  For information about the American Lamb Board, visit www.AmericanLamb.com, 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.

About Share Our Strength

Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit, is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives.  Through its No Kid Hungry® Campaign - a national effort to end childhood hunger in America by 2015 - Share Our Strength ensures children in need are enrolled in effective federal nutrition programs; invests in community organizations fighting hunger; teaches families how to cook healthy, affordable meals; and builds public-private partnerships to end childhood hunger, at the state and city level. Working closely with the culinary industry and relying on the strength of its volunteers, Share Our Strength hosts innovative culinary fundraising events and develops pioneering cause marketing campaigns that support No Kid Hungry. Visit Strength.org to get involved.

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

SOURCE American Lamb Board