Charlie Trotter's 22nd Anniversary Celebration

I attended Charlie Trotter's 22nd anniversary celebration - somewhat as a VIP guest. I was a backstage pass to kitchen before, during and after the dinner, and I have tell you this is not the first time Charlie has allowed me this opportunity.

For this dinner, Chef Juan Mari Arzak of Restaurante Arzak of San Sabastian (Spain), Chef Michael Carlson of Schwa (Chicago), Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park (New York), Chef Paul Liebrandt of Corton (New York), Farmer/Chef Lee Jones of The Chef's Garden (Ohio) joined Charlie in preparing a nine course dinner. Furthermore, there were four master sommeliers in the restaurant that evening: Larry Stone, Serafin Alvarado, Robert Houde, Conrad Reddick.

All of the proceeds from the evening (there were about 110 guest who paid $450/plate) went toward Charlie Trotter's Educational Foundation.

Here are a few of the the goings-on in Charlie Trotter's kitchen. It was a great evening.

Happy Eating! Mr. Foodie