You may recognize this culinary genius from his appearances on Food Network’s hit TV series, Chopped, but Scott Conant came to Tampa to put his cooking skills to work for charity at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa.
The event was a benefit for the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla’s Community Fund, which was established to benefit the Tampa Bay community in times of need.
Guests were served a four-course dinner that was paired with hand-selected wines and curated by Chef Scott.
The charity dinner took place in our award-winning restaurant, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood.
The ambience of the event was certainly a collective favorite. Guests were able to walk the red carpet and take a photo with Chef Scott Conant and then they were offered a glass of champagne that was displayed on a dazzling centerpiece in the Council Oak entryway.
Once all of the guests arrived and had their photos taken with the charismatic chef, he quickly returned to his culinary element to finalize details for the delectable four-course meal.
Before the meal began, Captain Jim Von Thron from Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla gave a brief speech thanking all of the Hard Rock team members and Chef Scott for their gracious efforts and hard work in raising money for their Tampa Bay charity.
Chef Scott thoroughly explained each dish that came out and walked around the room engaging guests in conversation.
The first course offered was a Tuna and Avacado Crudo, paired with Domaine Chandon ‘Etoile’ Brut Sparkling, California.
Next, the Black Truffle Risotto with Egg Yolk and Fresh Shaved Truffles was presented to guests paired with a spicy glass of Adelsheim Pinot Noir, Oregon.
The main course was an Espresso Rubbed Sirloin with Soft Polenta, Wilted Escarole and Red Wine Jus paired with Duckhorn ‘Paraduxx’ Z Blend, California.
The sweet treat of the evening was Gianduja Crumble, a salted caramel custard with hazelnut infused chocolate chunks. The dessert was paired with Fonseca Bin 27 Porto.
Altogether the collaboration between Seminole Hard Rock and Chef Scott put on an impressive and successful charity dinner for the Gasparilla Community Fund.
