Niman Ranch Celebrates Seattle’s Star Chefs Rising Star Winners!
March 5, 2020We were honored to participate and sponsor this year’s Star Chefs Rising Star Awards celebrations in Seattle, Washington. The festivities kicked off on Monday, February 17th with the Honoree Dinner hosted at the Lakehouse in downtown Bellevue, where it is a tradition that the Rising Stars alum chefs prepare dishes for the new winners, their mentors and spouses. There was an incredible selection of delicious options to enjoy including two plates that featured Niman Ranch meats.
Chef Heong Soon Park of Meet Korean BBQ prepared a Braised Niman Ranch pork belly with oyster kimchi. The pork belly was cooked to perfection – it was so tender it practically melted in your mouth and the pickled flavors of the oyster kimchi brought the whole dish together. 
Chef Jason Wilson of Fire and Vine Hospitality created a dish that consisted of Niman Ranch short ribs with celery, olive oil, truffle and blood orange. The flavors of the dish all complimented each other beautifully to create the ideal epicurean experience.
The celebrations continued on Tuesday, February 18th with the 2020 Star Chefs Rising Stars Awards Ceremony and Tasting Gala. The awards recognize the new wave of chefs and culinary professionals who are redefining the American dining scene. Recipients of this year’s awards prepared their signature dishes for all those in attendance. Niman Ranch was again featured at the Tasting Gala.
Chef Ricardo Valdes of El Xolo and Raiz prepared a cochinita pibil street taco that featured achiote-braised Niman Ranch pork shoulder with habanero salsa and pickled red onion.
As the festivities continued into the night at the After Party, Chefs Zachary and Seth Pacleb of Brothers and Co. Catering featured Niman Ranch pork spare ribs that embodied notes of lemongrass and tamari, then garnished with fried onion, toasted rice powder and mixed petite herbs. 
What an incredible event! Everything sampled was delicious and so on point. We are excited to attend the next Star Chefs Rising Star event that is slated to take place at the end of April in Boston.