Hundreds of Team CMMD supporters were wowed and amazed by a smorgasbord of delicious dishes, culinary rock stars and celebrity judges—plus the chance to take home prizes and silent auction winnings—during Food Fight 4 at the Radley Run Country Club. The lofty goal of this glamorous soiree? To raise funds to help local cancer patients and their families with financial obligations, meals and other support.
More than one “teamie” (as they like to call each other) repeated, “For those who can’t, we will.” All Team CMMD efforts throughout the year are inspired by this mantra, whether it’s running, walking or cycling; food, blood or clothing drives; hosting dinners; the Just One More project; This Run’s Personal; scholarships; the American Cancer Society’s Broad Street Run; and so much more, like FF4, the year’s biggest fundraiser.
When FF4 was all said, done and digested, Christine Meyer, M.D., the driving force behind Team CMMD, came out victorious for the fourth year in a row. She and her behind-the-scenes team bested those led by Chef Ron Duprat of Bravo TV’s Top Chef fame and Chef Nate Johnson of the Garces Group.
Celebrity Judges Chef Meredith Lawrence from QVC; Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan, founder of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation; and Chef Eric Theiss, TV chef and producer and infomercial front man were in the house for color commentary, but the final decision came down to their votes plus the votes of everyone who came out to enjoy 10 courses and support Team CMMD’s noble efforts. PA Eats was on the scene to check out the delectable menu—vegetarian options, too! Read on to savor the goodness.
Menu: Christine Meyer, M.D.
Round One
Canapé of Cucumber, Radish and Mango, Smoked Salmon Tartare, Lemon-Caper Emulsion, Caviar
Vegetarian Option—Canape of Cucumber, Radish and Mango, Smoke Tomato Tartare, Lemon-Caper Emulsion, Black Sesame
Round Two
Vegetarian-Friendly Roasted Red Pepper Bisque, Parmesan Brûlée, Pão de Queijo
Round Three
Korean Inspired Surf and Turf of Gochujang Braised Short Rib, Kimchi Marinated Shrimp, Grilled Zucchini-Eggplant Jun, Crispy Cauliflower, Charred Carrot, Jicama-Pear Relish
Vegetarian Option—Toasted Jasmine Rice with Green Lentils, Crispy Cauliflower, Grilled Zucchini-Eggplant Jun, Charred Carrot, Gochujang Tomato Purée
Menu: Chef Ron Duprat
Round One
Cumin-Crusted Snapper with Mashed Purple Potatoes, Mango Escabeche, Avocado Aioli
Vegetarian Option—Crispy Silken Tofu with Georgia Peaches, Red Curry and Pea Blossom
Round Two
Vegetarian-Friendly Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Bisque
Round Three
Braised Autumn’s Harvest Pork Butt with Boniato Puree, Caramelized Carrots, Crispy Shallots, Sherry Glaze
Vegetarian Option—Miso, Tortellini with Red Cabbage, Turnip Confit and Ponzu
Menu: Chef Nate Johnson
Round One
Vegetarian-Friendly Espelette-Crusted Cashew Cheese, Apricot Mustard, Honeycomb, Borage, Pedro Ximenez
Round Two
Sopa de Pataca (Sunchoke Soup), Duck Confit, Amarena Cherry Espuma
Vegetarian Option—Sope de Pataca (Sunchoke Soup), Amarena Cherry Espuma
Round Three
Paella Valencia, Artichoke and Tomato Salad, Saffron Aioli
Vegetarian Option—Vegetarian Paella Valencia, Artichoke and Tomato Salad, Saffron Aioli
Dessert
All chefs collaborated on sweet samplings: Lemon Semifreddo, Chocolate-Covered Cheesecake and Fruit Pastry
Hats off to the more than 100 Team CMMD volunteers who staffed the event and expertly handled everything from a friendly welcome to serving and right on to swag-bag-giving at the close—and every team-shirt-clad volunteer task in between. The event was also made possibly by the evening’s host and Platinum Sponsor, Radley Run Country Club, and generous donations from so many more.
Learn more about Team CMMD online and on Facebook and Twitter. Runners, walkers and volunteers with all types of talents and time to offer are welcome to get involved.
- Centerpiece and pork photos: Ed Williams
- Remaining photos: Nina Malone
