Chef of the House - Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser

This is a second week of Ronald McDonald House of Savannah hosting its annual fund raiser, Chef of the House Challenge. This "iron chef" style competition features great local chefs, caterers, and home cook extraordinaires who all have the heart to contribute their gift of cooking to help raise the funds for this wonderful charity work.

The Ronald McDonald House exists to serve as a “Home away from home” for families with critically ill or injured children receiving treatment at area hospitals. When Amy Henderson, who is one of the board members of this organization asked me to judge this fund raiser competition, I was honored and immediately accepted.

Two master chefs were cooking off this evening. Chef Joe Martin and his team from Marshwood Club and Chef Andy Love of Plantation Club, both in The Landings on Skidaway Island. And their secret ingredient for the competition? Cabbage!


Chef Joe Martin and his team made these incredible three course offerings:


First Course: Chorizo and Cabbage Chowder. Wonderful, creamy and flavorful, with great texture!

Second Course: Cajun Shrimp over Boursin Cheese Coleslaw with Cabbage: Boursin cheese in slaw? Wow, never had boursin in slaw before!

Third course: Smoked Bacon & Fontina Cheese and Baked Pork Chops over Sweet Peppers and yes, Braised Cabbage. Crispy, smoked bacon just made the whole dish fragrant and delicious!


Chef Andy Love and his team provided these fantastic three courses:

Vegetable Spring Roll with Mango Chili Glaze:

Mango chili glaze had a wonderful kick that it enhanced the simple carrot and cabbage filling.


Shrimp Escabiche with Pineapple, Jicama Slaw (with cabbage). Never had better shrimp with wonderfully sweetened slaw!

Roasted Pork Loin with Braised Cabbaged and Caramelized Sweet fingerling potatoes. Pork loin had the crispiest exterior packed with flavor. Sweet potatoes were perfect accompaniment!

It was so difficult to grade these incredible dishes but the winning chef was chosen. Chef Love!

However, the real winner was the Ronald McDonald House to have people like Chef Love and Chef Martin who care and support this organization. And to have numerous volunteers and staff who pour out their love and energy to make this charity thrive. Thank you, Ronald McDonald House, it was a privilege for me to be a part of your wonderful work.

Chef Andy Love with his cabbage trophy. Congratulations, Chef Love!