Each fall on the Central Coast, a group of amateur chefs delivers a display of culinary wizardry with a distinctly masculine flair. With October well underway, it’s time to head to the westernmost wilds of Solvang for Real Men Cook, a vital fundraiser disguised as a friendly competition and local wine showcase.
Slated for Oct. 24 at Flag Is Up Farms, Real Men Cook qualifies as both a culinary exposition and interactive sport. Here, on the lush lawn of Pat and Monty Roberts’ elegant estate, dozens of daring fellows prepare signature dishes, many whipped up from original recipes and all designed to dazzle.
Proceeds from the event fund the work of Arts Outreach, a nonprofit organization that’s been engaging the children and adults of Santa Barbara County with art in all its aspects for nearly 30 years.
By bringing painting, drawing, theater, and sculpture programs and workshops to schools and senior centers across the county, this Solvang-based organization helps all interested citizens tap into their artistic gifts and creative potential.
Each year, Arts Outreach sponsors several events to fund its programs and support its operating costs. A casual event that gives locals a chance to give back to the community, Real Men Cook ranks as the most popular among them.
Boasting a marvelous diversity of backgrounds, the real men who cook at this lively dinner and wine tasting represent a variety of careers, including comedian, artist, vintner, engineer, firefighter, and school board member. There’s even an attorney, whose entry is intriguingly dubbed Magic Mushrooms.
Many of the chefs return year after year from both near and far to participate and show off dishes with enticing names like Fire Cracker Ahi Bites, Moors and Christians, and my personal favorite, Surf Beach Turkey Chili, created by Bob Barley and the Alers.
“These guys crack me up,” said Catherine Affolter, executive director of Arts Outreach. “They’re pretty inventive with what they do.
“This year we have 40 chefs,” she added, “and about half of them were here last year. Because of the economy, some of them are making lighter recipes, but I’m just grateful that they volunteer.”
Specific categories in which the chefs compete include hot and cold appetizers, soups, salads, homemade breads, and desserts, as well as meat, fish, and vegetarian entrees. A panel of local executive chefs taste tests each dish before naming a favorite in each category.
This year’s judges include chefs Frank Ostini (Buellton Hitching Post), Budi Kazali (Ballard Inn and Restaurant), and Bradley Ogden, who recently took the helm at Root 246. The panel announces the winners throughout the evening.
“The prizes, as usual,” Affolter laughed, “are paper chef hats, which were duly decorated by my children, and a balloon for the runners-up. No expense has been spared!”
Anyone wishing to try out any of the evening’s recipes need only pick up a copy of the 18th edition of the Real Men Cook Cookbook, which will be available at the event. It includes detailed descriptions of how to prepare specialties like Denver Caviar, Apples Lane Apple Crisp (find out if it really contains Hot Tamale candies!), Red Curry BBQ Chicken Salad with Gado-Gado Dressing, and 7th Cavalry Citrus Delight (a family heirloom recipe that dates from the late 1800s).
To complement the food—which guests can sample freely—28 local wineries will offer sips of their latest vintages. Among those pouring will be Curtis Winery, Ethan Wines, Alma Rosa Winery, Tres Hermanas Vineyard, Buttonwood Farm Winery, Stolpman Vineyards, and newcomers Bella Cavalli and Mojo, to name a few.
For beer lovers, Firestone Walker Brewing Company will be on hand to dispense some of their award-winning ales.
As they did last year, the five talented members of Debby White and Pureheart will work their musical magic on the happy crowd.
“People love the band and they do get up and dance,” Affolter explained. “She does that nice combination of soft rock and country with a little bit of western thrown in, and it’s perfect for this event.”
A silent auction features nearly 50 tempting lots, with all proceeds from the bidders going directly to Arts Outreach.
“We’ve got some original pieces this year from our Arts Outreach artists,” Affolter said, “and lots of wine, too. Most of the participating wineries have donated something exciting for the auction. We also have gift baskets, event tickets, brunch for two at the Biltmore, dinner for two at Root 246, and some wonderful hotel stays.
“Real Men Cook is a great event,” she added. “The chefs do it simply because they want to, it’s for a great cause, and you can eat and drink as much as you want until the food and wine runs out!”
K. Reka Badger will be there before the food and wine runs out. E-mail comments or ideas to rekabadger@hotmail.com.
This article appears in Oct 22-29, 2009.