Come Dine with Me?

One could probably dedicate a year's worth of Firsts to food, cooking and entertaining. I, on the other hand, have decided to limit it to 3.

The turkey was a spontaneous event. But funnily enough, as I was recently reading through my list of First ideas, there it was; "cook meat of some variety in the oven". So, check!

The 2nd cooking First happened last night. It was to cook a gourmet meal... for 4 strangers... in my home. 

Although it sounds somewhat like "Come Dine With Me", it was actually a collaboration between Social Bites and HomeDine and ....me! And Sous-chef/co-chef Janna!

So, how does one come to cook for strangers? It all started many months ago on a perfectly breezy August Saturday, 3 friends with their heads tucked under a parasol, enjoying a day at the beach.

As I explained to my friends the idea I had finally settled on for this year's project - having nixed some rather random ideas like taking "free hug day" to a whole other level or taking to sidewalk chalk street art and mime - the cooking gauntlet was thrown down.

See, my good friend Annika is the founder of this rather cool social eating event thing called appropriately, Social Bites! The concept being that Hobby Chefs, these everyday gourmet chefs, battle for the title of champion. But the twist: they host strangers as their guests and ultimately, as the tasting judges. It's the age-old tradition of using food to bring people together...and help build community.

Normally, this event runs with 4 chefs and 32 guest (with each couple visiting 2 of the 4 chefs). Well, last night saw 30 chefs across Vancouver hosting 120 people! All for charity. And I was one of those chefs. 

Now let's rewind. I said "everyday" but I also said "gourmet chefs". As my parents can attest to, the kitchen was never my strong suite growing up. And even when the food tasted ok, it never really looked all that appealing.

So, when you are now up against people who can do reductions in their sleep, and drunken spaghetti isn't a madeup term, where flambé, braised and slightly seared are everyday vernacular, this stir-fry, omlett, KD girl had a real challenge on her hands.

One would think hosting strangers would be the intimidating part. Not so. Our menu of:quince stuffed lamb meatballs seasoned with cardamom, pomegranate and ginger, root slaw of celeriac, kholrabi, beets in a pomegranate molasses and citrus dressing and the easy part, homemade hummus...that, was the real freak out! What the hell is a quince, anyway? And celeriac....seriously?

However, it was our practice run to an audience of friends a few weeks back that gave us the confidence to push forward and conquer Social Bites! 

The evening ended at a cool little spot in East Van where desert food trucks and vendors awaited.

And, as all the chefs and their guests made their way to this sweet tasting after party, 2 of my guests were overheard by a friend of mine's stating they had a great time and were now inspired to try out cheffing themselves. Success!!! We have a convert!

The evening raised $4500 for charity. I raised the stakes in the kitchen. So, hold on to your hats, number 3 cooking First will really blow your socks off!

For more photos from the event, check out #dinnerpartyyvr on Instagram and Twitter!