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LGBT Culinary Discussion

Several weeks ago I attended a panel discussion on LGBT chefs and the challenges they face at Kitchn restaurant at The Out Hotel. There were some great ideas discussed and some visible luminaries such as Zac Young, Pichet Ong and Mitchell Davis participated in the panel sponsored by Distinc.tt, a new mobile social platform for the LGBT and straight allies community. 

Some highlights of the discussion were posted on Youtube:

At the end Dale Schnell unveiled some of his "gay desserts" to inspire those entering the gayest dessert contest.  Also present was Michael Guerrieri from City sandwich who created the first LGBT (Lettuce, Goat Cheese, Bacon and Tomato) sandwich. 

Of the desserts I preferred the Banana Coconut Cream Bombe, which resembled a sea anemone made out of meringue. The tableside presentation of the Coming Out With Passion dessert was very impressive, and reminiscent of Lady Gaga's egg from the Grammy's but the rainbow sponge tasted dry. 

Below are some photo highlights:

Eric Perlmutter, Chef Pichet Ong and Chef Zac Young

Michael Guerireri of City Sandwich holding his LGBT sandwich

Coming OUT with Passion, hidden multi-layered rainbow colored sponge with butter cream frosting shrouded inside a Valrhona white chocolate bubble. Revealed only when hot passion fruit sauce is bathed over the top

  Banana Coconut Cream Bombe, layered banana sponge cake, banana and coconut cream, covered in Valrhona white chocolate. Exterior is decorated with Italian meringue “explosion” and pulled red candy “sparks."