Sagebrush Classic Chefs Turn Up The Heat

Sagebrush Classic Top Chefs Turn Up the Heat (Hosted by Deschutes Brewing)

BEND, Ore. – Where can you find 18 outstanding chefs in the middle of July? The answer might surprise you.

As an internationally-acclaimed chef, winner of Iron Chef America, and host of his own TV show, chef José Andrés can travel anywhere he likes. So can Mark Kiffin, Jen Jasinski and Roberto Donna.

But like the other great chefs, they’ve all chosen to gather in the high desert in the middle of the summer for the Deschutes Brewery Sagebrush Classic.

Chefs Offer Tastes at Sagebrush Classic

On Saturday, July 17, Andrés (Café Atlantico/minibar), Kiffin (The Compound), Jasinski (Rioja), Donna (Galileo), Michael Smith (Extra Virgin), Ken Frank (La Toque) and other top chefs will prepare and personally serve signature, small plate dishes for hundreds of guests, much like a live outdoor cooking show.

The chefs are not paid to take part in the event. So what is it about the Sagebrush Classic that attracts so many culinary all-stars?

Reason #1: The Other Chefs
“Even stars get star-struck. When top chefs have an opportunity to rub elbows with their peers in a beautiful location for a worthy cause, you don’t have to ask them twice,” says Gavin McMichael, chef of The Blacksmith, which was named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 100 Restaurants. McMichael will be joining top chefs this year at Sagebrush, including:

JOSÉ ANDRÉS – chef/owner of THINKfoodGROUP – Washington, DC
This internationally recognized culinary innovator best known for bringing both traditional and avant-garde Spanish fare to America. Andrés is the host of “José: Made in Spain,” the first major television series on American television to focus on Spain’s wine, food and travel.

MARK KIFFIN – The Compound Restaurant – Santa Fe, NM
Widely hailed as a leader in Southwestern cuisine, Chef Mark Kiffin was named James Beard Foundation’s “Best Chef of the Southwest” in 2005 and he has been recognized in Gourmet magazine’s “Guide to America’s Best Restaurants.”

JENNIFER JASINSKI – Rioja – Denver, CO
If Larimer Square is Denver’s dining destination, consider Chef Jennifer Jasinski its star. Jasinski has appeared on CBS’s “Chef on a Shoestring” and the Food Network’s “Challenge: Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast.” “Critics and diners are raving about Panzano’s take on Italian,” says USA Today.

ROBERTO DONNA – Galileo, Laboratorio – Washington, DC
Chef Donna is a James Beard award-winning chef and has frequently appeared on television, including two appearances on “Iron Chef” on the Food Network.

See the complete 2009 Sagebrush Classic Chef Line-Up.

Reason #2: The Deschutes Brewery Beer
In addition to the camaraderie, these chefs truly appreciate good beer. While most food events of this caliber pair gourmet dishes with wine, the Deschutes Brewery Sagebrush Classic is all about craft beer. “The event always puts together a great line-up of chefs, the outdoor event is spectacular in the Oregon high desert, and they pair our cuisine with BEER!” says Santa Fe chef Mark Kiffin. “Chefs love beer, locally produced in Bend from Deschutes Brewery. It’s truly the best of times.”

Reason #3: The Deschutes Children’s Foundation Cause
To date, the Sagebrush Classic has raised more than $2 million for Deschutes Children’s Foundation and other charities that benefit children and families in Central Oregon.

“The people of Bend really embrace the event, and it does wonderful things for the Deschutes Children’s Foundation,” says Portland chef Scott Neuman, of Oba! Restaurante. “And the folks from Deschutes Brewery really do it right.”

Reason #4: The Party
New Orleans chef Mary Sonnier described the Sagebrush Classic as, “Fun, fun, fun!” Hawaiian chef Jackie Lau said, “Every year, the Sagebrush Classic outdoes itself.”

The Sagebrush Classic includes a fierce but friendly golf tournament, mouth-watering food, free-flowing craft beer from one of the region’s award-winning breweries, live music and dancing into the night. There’s a reason guests call it the “Hottest Night of the Year.”

About the Deschutes Brewery Sagebrush Classic
The Deschutes Brewery Sagebrush Classic is a golf tournament and culinary celebration held each summer in the spectacular mountain town of Bend, Oregon. The primary beneficiary of the event is the Deschutes Children’s Foundation, which works to assist families and children in need in Central Oregon. Visit http://www.sagebrush.org for more information about the two-day event.

# # #