A Banh Mi Brawl

Silver Dining
July 27, 2010

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Read More: Banh Mi, Boka Truck, Cafe Gutenburg, Throwdown

Watch any episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay and you will see two things: great food cooked by chefs who love what they’re doing and crowds of people enjoy that same great food.  I have often wondered what it would be like to be in one of those crowds until last night.

The Scene :  Cafe Gutenburg

The Contenders :  Chef Patrick Harris from Boka Tako Truck or Jen & Garret from Cafe Gutenburg

The Prize:  Bragging rights over who makes a better Banh Mi sandwich.

More than a competition: $200 was collected for the two charities of the night: Chefs Move to Schools and Lunch Boxes 4 Life.  Both charities are working to make healthier school lunches in Richmond Public Schools.

Chefs submitted meat and vegan versions of their sandwiches for judging.  Pork was the meat of choice for each team.  Chef Patrick used wild mushrooms cooked Asian style for his vegan entry where as Cafe Gutenburg used tofu in theirs.
Sandwiches were judged on texture, taste, appearance, and overall balance.

Gutenburg  wins the vegan with 66 points to Boka’s 25.  Gutenburg’s meat is a winner with 45 points just edging out Boka’s 36.  Though the judges points may not have been in Chef Patrick’s favor, the crowd was very satisfied, cheering on both teams.  Gutenburg’s sandwiches may have won the night but Boka will bring it to you!

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Silver Dining has been a home chef since the first time his mom asked him to start dinner before she got home. He believes cooking should be fun and draws immense pleasure in seeing the satisfied faces of his guests. Find more inspiration on his personal blog “Chef Tell’s Kitchen.”Stay up to date on Richmond brews and more beer news on his Richmond Beermeister Blog.