Porter vs. Ramsey
When MasterChef debuts on May 22, keep an eye peeled for a head of neon turquoise hair. Those locks would belong Minneapolis' own Marie Porter, who was among the 100 competitors presenting signature dishes to Gordon Ramsay and his gang in the run-up to the Fox Network show's fourth season. She can't say much more about it for now, although she's described the experience as "completely bizarre" on her blog, www. celebrationgeneration.com/blog. So, what was her signature dish? Mango Mojito Upside-down Cake from one of her cookbooks, "The Spirited Baker." The recipe appears elsewhere on this page. Stay tuned. Whether Porter makes it onto the show or not, she has some more tricks up her sleeve.
In other food show news …
MTV is seeking aspiring chefs for its first foray into reality cooking shows. A casting call is out for amateur chefs, bakers and cooking enthusiasts, 18 years and older, "to live under one roof and be schooled in the most intensive and practical culinary training, with mentorship by legendary food masters." The show, tentatively called "Food School," offers the chance to "launch a career of epic proportions." And that, folks, is reality TV. To apply, visit www.foodschoolcasting.com.
Chocolate for sale
The annual sale at B.T. McElrath's production facility is back for a ninth year, timed to coincide with Art-a-Whirl, in the Artblock Complex, 2010 E. Hennepin Av. in Minneapolis. Look for Building #14, on the south corner of the property facing 21st Av. SE. Hours are 3-7 p.m. May 17 and noon to 6 p.m. May 18. To honor the company's founding partner, Christine E. Walthour, who died in January of breast cancer, the team has handcrafted a limited run of a favorite, All-Butter English Toffee.
Les Dames sale on Saturday
The Minnesota chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier holds its annual culinary and garden garage sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 18 at 4209 Browndale Av. in St. Louis Park. Imagine what a group of food professionals has to sell! Plus, there also will be baked goods for sale. Imagine how tasty they must be! All sale proceeds to benefit youth at Urban Roots (formerly the Community Design Center of MN).
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