He never went to culinary school and hasn’t trained under any culinary legends, but Jeremy Kane has reigned supreme in numerous cooking competitions and looks to add another to his list of honors when he is a part of Chowderfest in Saratoga Springs on Saturday, Feb. 6, as it celebrates its 12th anniversary.
So how did Kane score the job of executive chef of the Albany-based Classe Catering? He learned from who he considers the besthis grandma.
I cooked with my grandma from the time I was a kid; Thanksgiving dinners and all that,` said Kane, who said he immersed himself in the culinary world however he could. `I took jobs washing dishes and as a prep cook in high school. After that, I traveled to Florida and worked at country clubs, hotels and restaurant.`
Kane opened restaurants of his own in Cape Cod and Maine but felt an urge to return to his roots, the Catskills, so he moved back and said he’s finally exactly where he wants to be.
`I feel like I’ve finally found a home; I love working here,` said Kane, who has worked at 15-year-old Classe Catering for just about two years.
This is Kane’s first time participating at Chowderfest. He’s making a sweet corn and crab chowder, something he hopes will stand out from the traditional New England and Manhattan Clam Chowders. A competitive culinary atmosphere brings out the best in him, said Kane, and lets him see just how polished he is.
`I like to stay fresh in my skills and to be critiqued. I don’t have an ego and don’t think I’m the best; I just like to be compared to others, see what’s going on, see what trends are out there and get feedback,` said Kane. `Plus, it’s pretty exciting to cook in front of a bunch of people.`
Kane has competed in Culinary Cornucopia in Albany where chefs are challenged to create an entrEe in 40 minutes that is judged by master chefs from around the country. He said cooking at Chowderfest will give Classe Catering exposure and hopefully help solidify a presence in the Saratoga area. It recently established an exclusive venue at 11 North Pearl in Albany.
Kane’s chowder can be tasted for $1 at 38 High Rock Condominiums. All these particular proceeds will go to benefit renovations and upkeep at Universal Preservation Hall, one of the area’s most historic buildings.
Chowderfest started out as a small part of the weekend-long Saratoga Winterfest, but quickly became somewhat of the main attraction, said Connie Crudo, membership and services coordinator of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau. It now allows more than 50 restaurants to offer chowder tastings from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
`Chowderfest is an affordable, fun thing to do on a cold day. We have top-notch restaurants competing, it’s kid friendly, dog friendly and the city comes alive with all the energy from the Chowder lovers. When Chowderfest ends, people tend to linger and eat, drink and shop. We’ve seen an increase in people staying overnight and enjoying Saratoga,` said Crudo.
This year’s fest will offers a `Doggie Chowdown` where a canine judge picks his favorite doggie chowder. Last year, Mayor Scott Johnson’s dog Dr. Watson did the honors and this year a St. Bernard from the Saratoga County Animal Shelter will step up.
With so many venues there’s sure to be a chowder for every palate. Past favorites have included vegetarian chowder, seafood chowder, gluten-free chowder, southwestern chowder, corn chowder and dessert chowder.
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