On Sunday afternoon, 20 contestants competed for Matt Timm's Lamb Takedown at the Highline Ballroom. This was overwhelmingly much more satisfying than the Tofu Takedown in May. I enjoy savory more than sweet!
There were 3 professional judges: Josh Ozersky (The Feedbag), Daniel Maurer (NY Magazine), and George Motz (NY Food Film Festival). The audience were also able to judge in a separate People's Choice Award.
Contestants # 1-4:
-I voted for the itty bitty falafel (on right of cup), stuffed with Chinese Xi'An Spicy Cumin Lamb with Pickled Jalepenos. They ended up winning People's Choice ($100 prize) and 3rd place from the judges.
-I spit out the one in the cup, Yang Rou Chuan (tasty outer layer, too dry on the inside though).
-The small taco won Judges 1st place-- but I wasnt in favor for the flour tortilla. Im corn all the way!! But having lamb butter was kind of a nice idea!
Contestants #5-10:
-This taco was my favorite-- hand made corn tortilla--but it was a lamb contest, so I didnt end up voting for them
- Enjoyed the lamb sliders-- minus the carbs---thats just a filler!
-The lettuce wrap was very Korean inspired-- Im surprised he didnt win bc I met multiple friends of his throughout the afternoon.
Contestants #11-20
-Endive + lamb was creative (12 oclock)
-Banh mi....I ate more bread than lamb.
-Pulled Lamb Shank with Pears (5 oclock) was my 2nd favorite (also won 2nd place with judges)-- there was a complexity of a perfectly ripe pear with the braised lamb...very pure.
$15 = wham bam, thank you lamb!
*Oh, if you dislike heavy metal musicc...Id skip on these events. I know right?? I prefer Beyonce myself too.
