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From his cookbook Rook Cooks, the duck dish Lou Rook, III, will prepare at a demo on August 23 to promote the Missouri Outdoor Cooking Experience event on September 6.
One of Missouri’s favorite pastimes isn’t so stuck in the past anymore. Hunters in St. Louis have upped their game to include a refined dining experience.
“When most people think of hunters, they don’t often understand how hunting has been elevated to a whole new level of comfort and sophistication over the years,” says Laura Gray, marketing manager for Cabela’s, specialty retailer of hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, and outdoor recreation merchandise.
In the spirit of this trend, Randall’s Wines & Spirits and Cabela’s decided the time was right to partner with local chefs to expand the sophisticated hunter’s palate. “I think as we, as Americans, get into a more natural way of living, with more people getting into organic and do-it-yourself ingredients, it’s a way to broaden the experience of that lifestyle,” Gray says.
Hence, the Missouri Outdoor Gourmet Experience, scheduled for Sept. 6 at the Randall’s location in Manchester.
Local chefs from the top dining establishments in the city will conduct cooking demonstrations throughout the afternoon. All dishes will be prepared using Cabela’s outdoor cooking equipment, and the proceeds will benefit Missouri Department of Conservation. Tickets include various food, spirit, and wine samplings as well as the cooking demos, and are $3 apiece, or two tickets for $5.
Participating restaurants to date are as follows:
Mike Shannon's Steaks and Seafood
To round up excitement for the event, Cabela’s will present a demo by Chef Lou Rook, III, on August 23. In the demo, Rook will prepare a dish from his cookbook, Rook Cooks: Simplicity at Its Finest, the Smoked Duck Breast on Herb Risotto with Black Mission Figs and Fig Soy Caramel.
Gray noted that while many individuals are adept at hunting game, a much smaller number is as well-versed in cooking it, and that "this event will provide some options."
Gray says the hope is to include duck, venison, and other local game, along with the freshest local and seasonal products available...and unlike in the field, careful attention will be paid to the wine pairings as well.
Missouri Outdoor Gourmet Experience
Saturday, September 6
12 p.m. – 6:00 pm
Randall's Wine & Spirits
14201 Manchester
636-527-1002
Note that only a limited amount of tickets will be sold and are available for purchase at all Randall's locations. For more information, call 636-527-1002.
