What's happening in Norfolk/Virginia Beach …

A Great Steak Celebration

Chef Jerry Weihbrecht of Zoë's in Virginia Beach was among the six world-class chefs who celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Certified Angus Beef  ^® brand Oct. 17. The "Great Steak Celebration" took place at the renowned James Beard House in New York City, and featured a six-course meal with the original brand of premium, fresh beef in every dish -- from hors d’oeuvres to dessert.

The James Beard House is a renowned "performance space" for visiting chefs. Just as musicians have Carnegie Hall and singers have the Metropolitan Opera House, the best of the culinary world have the James Beard House. Preparing a meal there is one of the highest honors a chef can receive.

"Cooking at the James Beard House was an amazing experience," said Weihbrecht. "It was a privilege to be selected, and the experience is one I’ll always remember."

The event was designed as a tribute to the brand and to the hardworking men and women across the country who are committed to raising premium beef. Scott Popovic, corporate chef for the Certified Angus Beef  ^® brand, organized the celebration and said, "It is an honor to celebrate our 30-year heritage and the brand’s quality on such a grand stage."

Weihbrecht was chosen to represent the brand's 7,500 restaurant partners and their dedication to excellence. Other chefs selected to participate included Popovic; Chef Michelle Brown, Jag's Steak & Seafood, Cincinnati, Ohio; Chef Dino Jagtiani, Rare Steakhouse, Cupecoy, St. Maarten; Chef Randy Sebastian, Rio All Suite Casino Hotel, Las Vegas; and Chef Cedric Tovar, The Waldorf=Astoria, New York City.

Weibrecht received plenty of attention locally before traveling to the Big Apple for the big event. He appeared on WTKR’s “Tasty Tuesday” segment with anchor Laila Muhammad on Oct. 14, and also was featured in articles in PortFolio Weekly and the Virginian-Pilot.

Mark your calendars for home show

Make plans now to attend the Mid-Atlantic Home & Flower Show Feb. 13-15, 2009, at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. The show will be sponsored once again by the Certified Angus Beef  ^® brand.

Certified Angus Beef  ^® Corporate Chef Scott Popovic and featured guests will be on stage demonstrating some great beef recipes, and guests will have the opportunity to make their own spice rubs!

Visit http://www.vafgs.org/ for more information on the show, and check back here for more details.