Todd Leonard, the chef at Blue Lemon restaurants in Utah, was recently named the Western Region Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation (ACF). Leonard, who is also an instructor at Utah Valley University in Orem, will travel to Dallas in July to compete against three other regional winners at the ACF's 2011 National Convention. To earn the honor, Leonard competed against four other candidates in a timed competition. He had one hour and 25 minutes to prepare, cook and plate a whole bone-in duck. The centerpiece of his gourmet meal was a prosciutto-wrapped duck roulade with port and morel mushroom jus. Other components included a chèvre and herb polenta gratin; tomato-stuffed mushroom and seared foie gras; and sweet pea and vegetable medley. Before joining the staff at Blue Lemon, Leonard worked at The Garden Restaurant and Nauvoo Café in Salt Lake City, Oakridge Country Club in Farmington, and Provo Park Hotel. Leonard has an associate degree in culinary arts from Salt Lake Community College.
Viva Vegetables class
Utah State University Extension services continues its "Viva Vegetables" lecture series May 11, with a free class on buying and preparing asparagus. The hourlong class begins at 6:30 p.m. at West Jordan Library, 1970 W. 7800 South, and includes a demonstration and recipes. The series continues on the second Wednesday of every month. On June 8, learn about cucumbers and jicama. Other upcoming classes: July 13, green beans; and Aug. 10, zucchini. For information, call 801-468-3179 or visit http://extension.usu.edu/saltlake.
Burgers help families
Eat at the Smashburger restaurant in Draper on Wednesday, and a portion of the purchase price will be donated to the Utah National Guard Family Assistance Center. The restaurant is located at 12300 S. 300 East, and is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Food drive Saturday
The 19th annual "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive will take place Saturday, May 14. Place non-perishable food items in a bag near your mailbox, and letter carriers will pick up the donation and distribute it to Utah food banks. Donations such canned soup, tuna, pasta, rice or peanut butter should be in plastic or other non-breakable containers.
'Birds and Bees' fundraiser
The 5th annual "Birds and Bees" event to benefit the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Ogden Regional Medical Center will be Saturday, May 14, at Union Station in Ogden. Beehive Cheese Co. and Roosters Brewing Co. and restaurant will provide gourmet bites and microbrewed beer. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Beehive Cheese, Roosters, Union Grill or online at www.beehivecheese.com or www.roostersbrewingco.com. Those in attendance will receive a fifth-anniversary commemorative glass to celebrate the occasion.
Anniversary celebration
The House of Bread will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Saturday, May 14, with free samples of bread and a Pet-Adopt-a-Thon. Bring your pet — or a photo of your pet — to the store at 2005 E. 2700 South, and Patty the Pet Psychic will do a 15-minute reading. The $10 fee will be donated to the Humane Society. For more details, call 801-466-1758.
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