It never fails whenever we take a trip we always come home to a surprise. This time the surprise happened to be zero internet connection, not a good surprise when you love to gab online. After waiting days for a solution, I am finally able to share my trip to Cali with you. My sunny LA adventure with Dole began at what is now one of my favorite places to chill and eat amazing food, Ford’s Filling Station, to bad they are all the way out in CA. Hardwood nooks surrounded by old books with plush pillows to lounge upon, definitely my kind of place guys. 
Cozy nooks and atmosphere aside, the food is the star at Ford’s. Chef Ben, or if you prefer Ben {he’s super laid back} takes pride in knowing where every ingredient being served has come from, especially the meats seeing as how he has his own pigs. Ben and his staff are passionate about utilizing local sustainable ingredients to create dishes that simply shine. From the pork sliders to the bacon wrapped dates it was all truly amazing. If only surferboy had gotten to LA before 9pm on Sunday, I was all set to go back to Ford’s the following night.
Casually mingling over tasty dishes and cocktails was the perfect way to start the event. Up until then I had not had a chance to meet all of the contestants, judges and staff involved with the cookoff. I cannot say enough about everyone with Dole, they are truly all sweethearts! As it turns out, I knew a few of the sous chefs involved, they have been blog buddies of mine for a while and it was so nice to finally meet them.
The following morning bright and early, we all met at The Grove in LA where Dole was holding their fourth annual cookoff. The Grove is not your average shopping center. It’s more serene park nestled in the center of a quaint Middle American main street, lined with shops on either side connected to the farmers market. You would never know that you were in busy LA.
There is even a trolley to take you around. To be perfectly honest it felt a bit like my home’s downtown area, minus the port of course.
It did not take long to get the event rolling either seeing as how Dole had everything in hand. After years of hosting trade shows, I can fully appreciate what an amazing job everyone did. It is not easy making it all look seamlessly put together but that is what they did.
They even made sure that Susan with Doughmesstic was on hand to live blog it for those who wished that they could be there.
The contestants and their lovely sous chefs, what some of you may not know is that this year was the first time that sous chefs were provided. If I were competing, a second pair of hands would definitely come in handy.
Michelle W. with Amelia from Eating Made Easy
Jeanette N. with Erika ~ In Erika’s Kitchen
Richard S. with Pam ~ My Man’s Belly
Can’t forget the other judges besides Chef Ben now can we. Me, Kristina Vanni and Susanne the Dole FB Fan who also won a chance to be a judge like myself.
While the constants were getting prepped, going over their recipes with the sous chefs and basically trying to calm their nerves there were plenty of activities lined up for the public to enjoy. Watching Ben in action was of course a highlight. One of his tips for a great salad, slightly cook the greens. Heat has a way of bringing the flavors to the forefront.
Plenty of snacks were provided, as well as some fun stations where you could try a few of Doles recipes. Who doesn’t enjoy grilled bananas and punch on a sunny day at the park?
A few cute little groms taking in the scene from up high were getting a kick out of the festivities.
The biggest hit of the day Dole’s new Shakers…YUM!! We should have had Chuck Berry’s “Twist & Shake” playing in Monica’s booth because she did not stop moving all day.
Even a bride and her wedding party were enjoying some refreshing Shakers between photos, too sweet!
Before I knew the morning had passed, the clock started for the contest and they were off!
Each contestant had only 60 minutes to prep, grill plate and serve his or her dishes.
All while the crowd and more importantly, Ben was looking over their shoulders asking them questions. I don’t know about you guys but that would make me soooo nervous.
Speaking of nervous, some of the staffs daughters were having a blast raffling off the Weber Grills that were at the event and some were biting their nails in anticipation. They did such a great job helping out.
Then there was food. This is where the judges came in and I will not lie guys it was the best job ever. Feed me something scrumptious that someone dreamed up any day of the week and then some.
This is what a satisfied judge’s plate looks like.
Admittedly, it was also slightly nerve wracking to decide which dish would win. You could tell that each of the contestants had poured their hearts and souls into their dishes but unfortunately, they can’t all win. In the end, Jeanette N.’s Taste of Dole Island Pork Sliders with Jicama Salsa won the day.
I have to say this was one of the most amazing adventures that I have had to date. If someone had told me a year ago that, I would get the chance to judge at the Dole California Cookoff I would have giggled and gone about my business. Saying thank you to Chef Ben and all of the wonderful people at Dole for the opportunity simply does not feel adequate, but it will have to do.
Until the next adventure!
Much love and gratitude,
Shari-Tickled Red
Hi there guys I'm Shari, but y'all can call me Red.
Southern nut. Perpetual optimist. Food adventurer. Creative dabbler. Lovin' an impromptu surf life with my darlin' & two groms. We're so glad you stopped by! 
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful, beautiful pictures Shari!!!!! Glad you had a great time. Love, Mom
Great great great.