Four chefs who had received top honors at lamb-jam competitions held across the country were brought together September 25 for the ultimate baaa-tle. The Lamb Jam Master was sponsored by the American Lamb Board in partnership with Share Our Strength®.

Chef Adam Mali of MarketBar in San Francisco was crowned the 2011 “Lamb Jam Master” for his Braised Lamb Shank with Lemon Stewed Cannellini Beans and Lavender-Mint Gremolata (pictured below).

 
Lamb Jam chefs who competed for the Lamb Master title (l. to r.): John Critchley, Urbana, Washington, D.C.; Adam Mali, MarketBar, San Francisco; Mark Bodinet, Copperleaf Restaurant at Cedarbrook Lodge, Seattle; and Jason Santos, Blue Inc., Boston.

More than 200 fans of lamb named Chef Mark Bodinet of Copperleaf Restaurant in Seattle the “People’s Choice” for his Grilled Lamb Shoulder Confit with Creamy Parsnips and Preserved Huckleberries. Chefs Jason Santos (Boston) and John Critchley (Washington, D.C.) also created “lambtastic” dishes at the event.

“From San Francisco to New York, Chef Mali’s dish took home top honors, and we are thrilled to welcome him to the Lamb Jam Hall of Fame,” said Megan Wortman, executive director of the American Lamb Board based in Denver.


As the national non-profit partner for the 2012 Lamb Jam Tour, a percentage of proceeds from the 2011 Lamb Jam Masters will benefit Share Our Strength®, a national nonprofit that is ending childhood hunger in America by connecting children with the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. 

For more information about the 2012 Lamb Jam tour, visit www.Fansoflamb.com.  For information about the American Lamb Board, visit www.AmericanLamb.com.