Bringing the Merc Deli's record to a dazzling 2-0 in competitive chefery, Food Services Manager Wallace Cochrane was victorious in the Chef's Challenge at the Farmers' Market at the Douglas County Fair. Ably assisted by Kitchen Manager Nick Amburgey and Assistant Kitchen Manager Paul Punzo, this terrific trio prepared a sumptuous dish of braised local Dexter beef BBQ and local tomato caprese with local melons. Their masterful synthesis of local ingredients included beef raised at Wakarusa Ridge Ranch; a bevy of produce from Fieldstone Orchard, Growing Food Growing Health, Hoyland Farm, Irick Farms, MAD Farms, Maggie's Farm, Mellowfields Urban Farm, Prairie Star Farm, Rachel's Garden, Spring Creek Farm, Taylor Farm, Voigts Produce, and Wakarusa Valley Farm; and a selection of other ingredients including Goddard Farms goat feta, Hawley Honey Farm honey, Louisburg Cider Mill cider vinegar, and Vesecky Farms chicken. Between describing the evolutionary history of the Dexter steer and the importance of the Maillard reaction in browning meat, Wallace created a beautiful display of color and flavor that couldn't help but please the palate of the judges - and the audience. Experience this award-winning local cuisine for yourself at the Merc Deli; the Eat Local Challenge is just around the corner, but it never hurts to get a head start!

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