Kendall-Jackson Wine Center hosts its third annual Gumbo Smackdown from 11a.m. to 3pm on Feb. 11. Southern hospitality gets competitive as Justin Wangler (KJ), Brandon Guenther (Rocker Oysterfeller’s), Jeff Mall (Zin), Josh Silvers (Petite Syrah) and Jeff Reilly (Duck Club) take their roux head-to-head. $30-40, reservations at 571-8100. 5007 Fulton Road, Santa Rosa.
Gumbo Smackdown, Feb. 11
Chef go roux-to-roux

You Rock JR!
You Rock JR!
First lemme say…this is a great idea. But “confused” has a point. As a New Orleans chef with successful Creole restaurants in both Sonoma county and (formerly) New Orleans I would have loved to compete in a Gumbo cook-off again. It’s was a while back, but last time I took second place among about forty competitors (besting the likes of Emeril’s and Commanders palace’s entries) Now, I’m not trying to brag (ok, maybe a little) but I think a few native New Orleaneans in the mix would make winning braggin’ rights that much better. Anyway, sounds like a blast!! Bon temps everyone.
btw…who picked that picture above? Is that a CARROT in there???
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First lemme say…this is a great idea. But “confused” has a point. As a New Orleans chef with successful Creole restaurants in both Sonoma county and (formerly) New Orleans I would have loved to compete in a Gumbo cook-off again. It’s was a while back, but last time I took second place among about forty competitors (besting the likes of Emeril’s and Commanders palace’s entries) Now, I’m not trying to brag (ok, maybe a little) but I think a few native New Orleaneans in the mix would make winning braggin’ rights that much better. Anyway, sounds like a blast!! Bon temps everyone.
btw…who picked that picture above? Is that a CARROT in there???
I’m confused. Are any of the Gumbo smackdown contestants actually from Louisiana? May I suggest they offer an invitation to a legitimate contender born and raised in New Orleans who also ownes a Cajun based catering company here in Sonoma county and is opening his first restaurant this spring. I’m always up to the challenge!
Gumbo is not cajun based, and you do not have to from new orleans, but you do need to know how orginal gumbo is made, there is creol, cajun an african american soul food the roots.
Dear confused I attended New Orleans Chef Apprenticeship at Delgodo Community College. Spent years learning my craft in the early 80’s when Prudhomme was king and Justin Wilson was alive and cracking me up on TV. I know all the contestants are legit just because you are from Italy doesn’t mean you can make a killer Pizza. Come on down and get a taste of what the Big Dogs are cooking you will not be disappointed.
I’m confused. Are any of the Gumbo smackdown contestants actually from Louisiana? May I suggest they offer an invitation to a legitimate contender born and raised in New Orleans who also ownes a Cajun based catering company here in Sonoma county and is opening his first restaurant this spring. I’m always up to the challenge!
Gumbo is not cajun based, and you do not have to from new orleans, but you do need to know how orginal gumbo is made, there is creol, cajun an african american soul food the roots.
Dear confused I attended New Orleans Chef Apprenticeship at Delgodo Community College. Spent years learning my craft in the early 80’s when Prudhomme was king and Justin Wilson was alive and cracking me up on TV. I know all the contestants are legit just because you are from Italy doesn’t mean you can make a killer Pizza. Come on down and get a taste of what the Big Dogs are cooking you will not be disappointed.