Amuse chef named Top Chef of the Champlain Valley

Shawn Calley, Executive Chef of Amuse at the Essex Resort & Spa was named Top Chef of the Champlain Valley at CVAA's benefit to support Meals on Wheels. Calley went head to head against Donnell Collins of Leunig’s Bistro (2010 Top Chef winner) and Matt Birong of 3 Squares Cafe. Calley’s winning appetizer and entrée were a carrot bisque with local balsamic vinegar reduction and rabbit quenelle (Vt. Quality rabbit done in fricassee style, lightly sautéed rabbit liver, kohlrabi julienne slaw, ravioli of greens on a pistachio and reduced local balsamic).
According to Calley ‘It’s really an honor to be voted Top Chef, and I’m very proud of my teammates Master Chef Arnd Sievers and Chef Jean-Luc Matecat for doing such a phenomenal job. I wanted to create something that not only shows my passion for food but also reflects what we’re bringing to the area with Amuse. Burlington has never seen a restaurant like this before; it’s going to be a lot of fun.’
Nearly $25,000 was raised to support Meals on Wheels at the Top Chef of the Champlain Valley, enough to provide over 8, 300 meals to seniors in need. Over 235,000 Meals on Wheels are delivered each year in the Champlain Valley to homebound seniors. Nearly 400 people packed the Maple Ballroom at UVM's Davis Center to watch Calley be named the new Top Chef.
The panel of judges included Rod Rehwinkel, Executive Chef & Owner of Clear Culinary Consulting, Sam Palmisano of Pulcinella’s (2008 & 2009 Top Chef winner), and Tim Elliott, Executive Chef and Owner of Stone Soup. Rehwinkel marveled about the amount of detail and items on the plate asking ‘did you make some of this before you came today.’
The Top Chef of the Champlain Valley recognizes the talents of the areas' top chefs and supports local farms, using all Vermont ingredients in this gourmet cook-off.
CVAA is a non-profit organization that empowers seniors to live well. CVAA works with seniors and caregivers, offering guidance and providing the support and services they need, when they need them. With the help of community partners and volunteers, CVAA serves over 10,000 seniors. Established in 1974, CVAA is known as the resource for seniors in the Champlain Valley (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties).For more information call 1-800-642-5119 or click on cvaa.org.