Robert Fong's Turkey Cook-Off - Turkeylicious!

How could anyone enjoy supporting a good cause better than eating through it?
At Robert Fong's 5th Annual and final Turkey Cook-Off there was turkey in abundance and celebrations all over — from helping to feed the hungry at Loaves and Fishes to celebrating Sister Libby's Birthday (Executive Director or Loaves and Fishes).

Late Entry: Smoked Turkey with Turkey Fois Gras Sausage by Cha che at Shady Lady Saloon

The turkey competition was steep as there was at least 18 turkeys, and the abilities ranged from standard (home-cooking-style) to surprisingly good! So after getting a chance to meet all the other judges (restaurant association officials, local television stars, and myself (The Food & Wine Diva)) we got our directions and feasted! 

The point system ranged from 1-10 and were scored on Flavor, Tenderness and Overall appeal. There were definitely some standouts in the good and not-so-goods, but as the tasting was blind it was a true torture attempting to find out who was who while eating — not that it was an easy task with every chef starring at the judges all nonchalantly (slight sarcasm)

Patrick Mulvaney (Mulvaney's B&L) and Noah Zonka (The Kitchen) with their turkeys

The big upset at the end of the competition was when Patrick Mulvaney swept in at the last minute with his very nontraditional chicken fried turkey and won the competition. Among the very honorable mentions was the Bourbon/Brown Sugar butter sauce that topped the succulent turkey made by The Kitchen's Noah Zonka, and "The THANKSGIVING Turkey" by Jamie Bunnell of Jamie's Bar & Grill. This particular turkey was the absolute personification of all things thanksgiving: tender, moist, herbaceous, and succulent (this turkey can supposedly be found during the holiday season at Jamie's).

So the eating, judging and turkey were all for a good cause; the awards were as follows:

1. Mulvaney's B&L - Chicken Fried Turkey
2. Jamie's Bar & Grill - "The" Thanksgiving Turkey
3. Aioli Bodega Espanola - White Meat Turkey and Sweet Potatoes

The following was also a fun get of the evening The Impossible Cake by Pyramid Alehouse's Executive Chef