Celebrity Chefs share their secrets

At the Entertainin’ stage this fall, celebrity chefs share their advice, ideas and recipes for home entertaining.

At the Entertainin’ stage, Drew DePatie shares barbecue and grilling tips for Alberta beef. DePatie says people can entertain economically with Alberta beef by serving up less popular secondary cuts such as flank or round steak. “With a little marinade secondary cuts can be just as tender and juicy.”

DePatie says comfort food is making a comeback. “Now more than ever people are making cooking an event. More and more people are being creative with cooking and staying home to entertain rather than going out.” He says great comfort recipes for Alberta beef include stews, chillies and pot roast.

Nik Manojlovich, host of “Savoir Faire” on Home and Garden Television, Canada’s own Nik Manojlovich, host of “Savoir Faire” on HGTV, will entertain people with original and creative tabletop and party planning ideas and tips for Thanksgiving entertaining. He provides original recipe sheets for audiences to take home.

Manojlovich has a passion for entertaining. He has an extensive background working in food and beverage, catering, banquets and conventions in restaurants and hotels. In 1995, Manojlovich and fellow hotelier Michael Rosen started Plan-It Meeting and Special Occasion Planners Inc. in Toronto.

The company specializes in social and corporate event planning. Ned Bell, co-host of “Cook Like a Chef” on Food Network and Executive Chef, Murrieta’s Restaurants At the Calgary Home & Interior Design Show, Ned Bell will prepare original recipes for the upcoming Harvest/Thanksgiving season.

He says, “Autumn. Family. Rustic. Simple Classics. These words describe what you can expect my recipes to encompass and personify. I believe food should be approachable.” Bell has always had a passion for cooking. He likes to work with fresh ingredients that inspire him to create new and imaginative dishes.

Aki Fujita, General Manager and Singing Sushi Chef at Zen 8

At Zen 8, Chef Aki Fujita spends just as much time entertaining as he does preparing sushi. He says, “I sing with another chef, Hiro Inoue. He plays the guitar and we sing silly songs about sushi.” Zen 8 is known for its “Iron Chef Nights”, which offers a night of singing, dining and sushi making.

On the Entertainin’ stage, Fujita will show people how to make sushi rolls and sushi rice. With a high-energy style, Fujita unwraps the mystique of sushi making—he demystifies terms such as gari and wasabi and gives the inside story of outside rolls. He and Inoue will also sing their sushi songs for home show guests.

Fujita says, “The trend right now in sushi is to use tempura—deep-fried flour that makes sushi crisp and crunchy. Some people don’t like the slimy fish texture of traditional sushi.”

Chef Aaron Cowley from The Chophouse

Aaron Cowley whips up some great recipes off The Chophouse menu at the Calgary Home & Interior Design Show. Aaron has a strong background in culinary competitions and has won numerous medals including ‘Best of Show’ for his buffet platter at A Taste of Canada, an International Apprentice Cook Competition. He also won a silver medal as a member of Student Team Alberta at the World Culinary Olympics.

Drew DePatie, Food Services Manager, Alberta Beef Producers

Also see: Specialty Steaks

About The Author:

Taylor Kent is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-steaks.com. Great tips on buying top quality meats, steaks and seafood from the finest ranchers and butchers.