Get a taste of this week’s chef-in-residence, Chicago pitmaster and Food Network personality Dominique Leach. For one night only, chef Leach will team up with Food Network’s Master of ‘Cue champion (and her good friend) Erica Roby for a special, smoky multi-course dinner showcasing the prowess of these two leading barbecue pitmasters.

About Dominique Leach:

Known as one of the most exciting barbecue chefs in her hometown of Chicago, IL, Dominique Leach is a classically trained chef turned nationally recognized pitmaster. She worked in the kitchens of James Beard Award–winning chef/owner Tony Mantuano and executive chef Sarah Gruenberg at Michelin-starred Spiaggia as well as with award-winning author and chef Raghavan Iyer at the Art Institute Museum. Leach then branched out with her wife Tanisha in 2016 to create her own catering company. Inspired by fond childhood memories of her grandmother, Dominique then launched a successful food truck, Lexington Betty Smoke House. Her expertise and soulful food would earn her a spot on Chopped and as a judge/contestant on Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters, recognition as the “Best Barbecue in Chicago” by Good Morning America, as well as a full brick-and-mortar home for Lexington Betty on the South Side of Chicago.

About Erica Roby:

Erica Blaire Roby is a Food Network Master of 'Cue Barbecue Champion, award-winning competition pitmaster, sommelier, and attorney. Erica is also the creator and host of her award-winning digital series, The Pit Stop with Blue Smoke Blaire, which highlights the passion, struggles, and dreams of pitmasters around America. From barbecue restaurants to barbecue food trucks, Erica shares a universal message of "barbecue love" found throughout this great country.

Menu

Bourbon Cocktails

Southern Potato Salad with Deviled Eggs and Andouille Sausage 

Wagyu Birria Beef Ribs with Consommé

Barbecue Jerk Chicken Thighs with Fried Curried Chickpeas and Jerk Barbecue Sauce

Pork Po’ Boy with Vinegar–Apple Slaw and North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

Bourbon-Bacon Bread Pudding

Liquor generously donated by Bardstown Bourbon

Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.

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