Gourmet Survivor 1: Jason Sholar's Gourmet Po'boy Meal
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Gourmet Survivor 1: Jason Sholar's Gourmet Po'boy Meal


I gave Jason Sholar an introduction earlier this week, and today I'm pleased to host his description of the gourmet po'boy meal he made for his family.

Jason went all out for this first round of Gourmet Survivor, Adam's fund-raising drive for Katrina victims. When you read his description, you'll no doubt agree that his is the best of the four entries (not that you need to look at anyone else's, but keep an eye on Adam's site if you want to see how Jason blew everyone else away). Jason took the "Gourmet" in "Gourmet Survivor" to heart, juxtaposing a refined elegance with the everyday roots of the sandwich. Interesting ingredients, pretty platings, wine alongside, and an inspired dessert. What more could you want? His dishes all sound fantastic. What was that? Dishes? Yes, read that and weep, contestants: Jason made a whole meal of gourmet treats.

But you, my dear readers and visitors, need to vote for Jason. You need to reward his ambition and craftwork. You need to get him to the next round. And by pouring out your support for Jason, you help Katrina victims: Each vote costs a minuscule 5 dollars, and all that money goes to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to help those Gulf Coast residents struggling to rebuild their lives. Go to Adam's donation page and write Jason's name in the comments as you make your donation. The contestant with the lowest number of votes gets eliminated, and don't you want to see what Jason does next?

I know many of you have given already, but I'd like to encourage you all to give just a teensy bit more as you vote for Jason. Actually, I'd like to encourage you all to give a lot more: Stuffing the ballot box is encouraged.

But enough of my chatter. Read Jason's description below, then go to Adam's donation page, fill out the simple form, and write Jason's name in the comments.


Jason Sholar's family enjoys a wonderful po'boy meal.
Dear Friends:
The time has come at last to present you with a novel creation. It is at the best of times that friends and family are able to come together and enjoy the wonders of good food and great company. In support of the families affected by hurricane Katrina, you are now presented with an epic creation; a gourmet Po'Boy dinner.


Up close and personal with Jason Sholar's po'boy.
As a key element of the Gourmet Survivor II competition, particular attention has been paid to the gourmet element. Taking an everyday staple of the New Orleans area, the Po'Boy, and adding a gourmet sensibility, the Beef Tenderloin Po'Boy dinner came about. Freshly baked loaves of bread slathered with homemade wasabi mayonnaise are toped with crisp lettuce, red onion, juicy beef tenderloin and vividly red tomatoes for a classic sandwich worthy of the most stringent of tastes.


Jason Sholar's homemade French fries.
To pay respect to the classic potato Po'Boy of earlier days it was found necessary to seam together the time gap through a complementary side dish. Golden fries are utilized as a symbolic reference to the fried potato Po'Boys of the past. Crisp exteriors encompassing a smooth potato interior are delicate enough for the strictest of critics and yet harvest an everyday appeal. Accented with kosher salt, the golden fries present an article of pure bliss.


Jason Sholar's Creamy Cole Slaw.
On the same line of commonplace side dishes would come cole slaw. Often doled out alongside sandwiches, the taste is common and simple. With a morsel of modification the cole slaw of days past can become the decoration of dinners today, as shown with this gourmet creamy cole slaw. A universal cabbage base, along with luscious diced apple and a hint of green bell pepper, is incorporated with a buttermilk dressing containing the unique twist available through limejuice in place of the habitual vinegar. Stunning to the palate, as to the eye, this gourmet rendering may forever change your view of cole slaw.


Jason Sholar's pretty platters of Po'boy parts.
Perfectly pairing with this cuisine, An Obsession with Food's own Derrick recommended a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley in France. Derrick points out this selection will "carry the beef well, and it has flavor compounds similar to the bell pepper, so it should riff on that." Following his proposal, in the midst of the Po'Boy, and sister dishes, was served a Chinon: Joseph Mellot's 2003 Les Morinieres.


Jason Sholar's Amateur Gourmet cake.
Finishing the evening, the guests partake in the delight of an exclusive dessert. Prepared in honor of Adam's brilliant thought and dedication to assisting the suffering families of Katrina, a raspberry filled white cake, topped with decorator's butter cream was adorned with a drawing of the Amateur Gourmet's signature pose. Perfectly moist and enjoyed by all, this article brought about an end to a wonderful evening spent with wonderful company.


A vote for Jason Sholar is a vote for Morris.
Now it is time to ask for your assistance. As the game was prepared to raise money in support of the Katrina families, donations are linked directly to the voting system. For every $5 donated through the competitions fund, 1 vote is received. When voting, please remember to include Jason in the comment section to indicate your choice competitor.

Thank you to everyone who votes. I appreciate your support in the Amateur Gourmet II competition just as the families in need appreciate your donation.

Bon Appétit,
Jason Sholar,







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