On Top Chef yesterday, the chefs had to prepare a family style dinner for chefs from Macy’s Culinary Council. Tyler Florence was one of five who represented and was also the guest judge. It reminded me of a cooking demo he did at Macy’s last fall. I watched Food 911 and Tyler’s Ultimate occasionally but after getting to see his personality and taste his cooking, (the latter definitely was a plus) I really became a fan. Coincidentally the demo and Q&A had a lot to do with home meals and preparing things for the holidays. Below are pictures and recipes that he made.
Full house in Macy’s home section. Tyler late because of traffic from Napa. It’s okay he made up for it by staying for 2-3 hours for the demo and signing.
Tyler intro-ing what he’s been up to. Two new books: Stirring the Pot, Dinner at My Place. Recently moving to California and his Mill Valley kitchen store recently opened. Talked about Bar Florence opening in San Francisco- wonder if it still is?
Tyler working with sweet potatoes for his Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas
Whipped sweet potatoes. I like my sweet potatoes cubed and roasted but wow when I tasted this it was so good.
Tyler coming around letting people taste the sweet potatoes.
Macy’s staff came around with plates so we could try everything Tyler made. I really like that they did that. The only sad part was that it was all made ahead of time so everything was cold.
After the demo I beelined to the front where Tyler left all the freshly prepared food.
Beautiful presentation. The main course was a fresh baked ham. Cute moment when he goes to get the ham from the oven. Not having seen the ham prior to the demo, he starts laughing when he takes it out because it was small and sad looking. Not at all what you’d expect for a holiday feast.
Don’t mind if I help myself. 
I’m glad I got a second taste because still warm, everything was fantastic. I guess I was also kind of star struck that I was eating food that Tyler actually prepared himself. The brussels sprouts were AMAZING. I became a believer in brussels sprouts after that.
Tyler stops from his signing to wave to a baby in a stroller. It was a really cute interaction. I didn’t have a book but its okay because I had a good time watching him cook.
Happy Fall Cooking!
Recipes from the demo:
Whipped Sweet Potatoes and Bananas
Bacon and Brussels Sprout Hash
Deliciously Noted is a food blog documenting my life in San Francisco, eating, baking, meeting artisans and chefs and when in need of an escape from the fog, sharing about my getaways to New York or Paris.
Peruse, enjoy, leave a comment or two!
