Washington, DC I Love Crabcakes Competition

On August 10, 2009 - Washington, DC area crab cake lovers came to Phillips Restaurant on the DC waterfront for the fourth annual “I Love Crab Cakes!” competition and fundraiser in honor of Karen Cathey. The event was hosted by the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) National Capital Area Chapter and by Phillips Seafood Restaurant. Karen Cathey has been an a active member of the the American Institute of Wine and Food National Capital Area Chapter for over ten years. She was known as a beloved friend of DC area chefs, foodies, wine enthusiasts, marketing experts, and the like and spent many years of her life supporting the food and wine industry in this area. It was Karen who dreamed up the idea for this event four years ago - and her memory lives on. Karen Cathey passed away July 6, 2009 and the chapter leadership of AIWF decided to rename the event in her honor. Last night, attendees raised their glasses and shared a toast to remember Karen. Each year, local DC area chefs compete for the title of Best Crabcake by AIWF. This year seven local restaurants competed to win $2,500 to fund a culinary intern:

• Nate Auchter/Lindsey Cort - Restaurant Associates
• Scott Drewno - The Source by Wolfgang PuckWolfgang Puck
• Abigail Fellows - CommonWealth Gastropub **won by judges panel
• Hugo Gamino - Asia Nine Bar and Lounge
• Rob Klink - Oceanaire Seafood Room * won people's choice
• Jamie Leeds/Nicholas Flores - Hank’s Oyster Bar Old Town
• Barbara Ruangsongtawana - U American Thai Seafood

Rob Klink from Oceanaire

Of those chefs who competed, Executive Chef, Rob Klink of Oceanaire Seafood Room won people's choice. Abigail Fellows from the CommonWealth Gastropub was selected by the panel of judges. With her $2,500 winnings, she will be able to choose a culinary intern to work with her at CommonWealth.

Last year, Cedric Maupillier, Chef at Central Michel Richard won best crabcake by the panel of judges and was voted the people's choice - the first time a chef has ever won in both categories. Cedric served as judge this year at the competition.

In addition, six students competed from three local culinary schools – Anne Arundel Community College, Art Institute of Washington, and L’Academie de Cuisine – for a $500 scholarship toward their education. Heather from Anne Arundel Community College won.

This year’s illustrious judging panel included: past winners Andrew Evans (2007) from Thai Ki in Easton, MD and Cedric Maupillier from Central Michel Richard (2008); amateur winner and AIWF Program Committee Chair, Tom Reidy; Board Member and local chef favorite, Janis McLean of 15 ria; Dennis Gavagan, Corporate Executive Chef, Phillips Seafood; Betsey Apple; chef Susan Callahan of the University of Maryland; and AIWF Board Member Nycci Nellis of Thelistareyouonit.com. Ris Lacoste, former AIWF chapter chair and beloved chef, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies again this year.