The Florida Panthers Guest Chef Program is an effort to bring the flavors of the tri-county areas and their superstar chefs to games. The program was created in conjunction with Fort Lauderdale’s Culinary Convenience, for area chefs to showcase their talents at selected premium locations at BB&T Center.
2015-16 Guest Chef Schedule
Oct. 10 vs. Philadelphia Flyers – Eric Baker of Max’s Harvest and Max’s Social House of Delray Beach
Oct. 15 vs. Buffalo Sabres – Jim Pastor of Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne
Oct. 17 vs. Dallas Stars – Mario Spina of Sunset Catch in Pompano Beach
Oct. 27 vs. Colorado Avalanche – Nuno Grullon and Rocco Carulli of R House in Miami
Oct. 30 vs. Boston Bruins – Michael Jacobs of Hidden Kitchen in Miami Beach
Nov. 10 vs. Calgary Flames – Ralph Pagano of Naked Taco and Naked Lunch in Miami
Nov. 19 vs. Anaheim Ducks – Jonathan Garr of The Brass Tap
Nov. 21 vs. New York Rangers – Michael Saperstein of E&M Munchies (The Rebel House, El Jefe and Charm City Burger)
Nov. 23 vs. Los Angeles Kings – Andres Avayu of Piccolo Restaurante in Ft. Lauderdale
Dec. 8 vs. Ottawa Senators – Les Harrow of Palm Caterers in Weston
Dec. 10 vs. Washington Capitals – Robbyns Martinez of Himmarshee Public House in Ft. Lauderdale
Dec. 22 vs. Ottawa Senators - John Iatrellis of Lure Fishbar in Miami Beach
Dec. 29 vs. Montreal Canadiens – Laurent Tasic of Sage and Q Bar in Ft. Lauderdale
Jan. 2 vs. New York Rangers – Fooq’s in downtown Miami
Jan. 3 vs. Minnesota Wild – Luis Lopez of City Hall in the Miami Arts and Entertainment District
Jan. 18 vs. Edmonton Oilers – Paul Riso of the Diplomat Golf & Tennis Club in Hallandale Beach
Jan. 22 vs. Chicago Blackhawks – Marc Gruverman of Capital Grille
Jan. 23 vs. Tampa Bay Lightning – Victor Franco of Oceans 234 in Deerfield Beach
Jan. 26 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs – Ralph Pagano of Naked Taco and Naked Lunch in Miami
Feb. 4 vs. Detroit Red Wings – Victor Malaric of Farmer’s Table in Boca Raton
Feb. 15 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins – Ralph Pagano of Naked Taco and Naked Lunch in Miami
Mar. 12 vs. Philadelphia Flyers – George Patti of M.E.A.T Eatery and Taproom of Boca Raton
Mar. 31 vs. New Jersey Devils – Louie Bossi - Chef Partner of Louie Bossi's Ristorante Bar & Pizzeria
Apr. 2 vs. Montreal Canadiens – Laurent Tasic of Sage and Q Bar in Ft. Lauderdale
NEXT GUEST CHEF: March 10 vs. Ottawa Senators
Rod Knight - Chef of Thursday's
Originally from Danbury, Conn., Chef Rod Knight of Thursday’s Ft. Lauderdale, began his culinary career at home and cooking for friends in 1995. When his family began realizing that his talent was unique, fresh, and creative; they suggested he seek a more suitable outlet to hone his skills. He later enrolled in a local school accredited by Johnson and Wales.
After graduating in 1999, Chef Rod went on to work for Chuck’s Steak House in Danbury, a popular stint for a commis wanting to learn how to work in a high volume establishment. In 2002, he joined the Sedexho operated Elderado Bar and Grill as a kitchen manager/ Banquet Chef. He was later offered the position in 2006 to work at the Geronimo Bar and Grill, a high end Southwestern American fusion concept in downtown New Haven. Chef Rod brought to the new establishment his management and kitchen skills which helped propel the restaurant into the role as a New Haven landmark. . After a strong history of working in the industry up north, he headed to Miami to further his career in culinary adventures.
In 2010, a more mature and seasoned chef found Miami to be welcoming and open to his skills as the new “kid on the block”. He had worked at several restaurants like Icebox Cafe, the Ritz Carlton South Beach, and the South Beach Hotel Group, all the while creating dishes that had hints of exotic flavors while staying true to his New England roots. The marriage between Northeast and South Florida tastes provided a unique path towards a successful career in Miami. While in the city, he continued to work on an online platform unique for chefs that is still in the making. Not much can be said as of yet, because much is still in development. However, this site promises to be what every chef might be using in the very near future. “It’s not about recipes, but rather about needs,” says Chef Rod.
In 2014, Chef Rod turned his sights towards Fort Lauderdale, a more relaxed and casual beach city. His first stint was at the newly renovated Shooter’s Waterfront where he was instrumental in building up the American classic brunch buffet. Within the year, he was offered a position at Thursday’s, the newest French-American restaurant that is known for its landmark status in Montreal, Canada. Chef Rod is grateful to work under Executive Chef Olivier Rebuffel from Paris whose brings decades of experience to the establishment. Thursday’s menu never disappoints those seeking French cuisine. Owned by the Ragueneau family, this father and daughter combination has reworked the French concept with a twist and brought it to the American palate. Thursday’s can be found on Las Olas Boulevard, the most sought-after address in the city. Reservations are recommended.
Chef Rod Knight’s Menu:
Club Lexus
Salmon Tartare
Crostini Avocado Salad
Crispy Duck Confit
Haricot Verts, Frisee Salad and Crispy Shoestring Potatoes
Au Poivre Steak Hache Sliders
Peppercorn crusted patty with wilted Spinach, Pickled Red Onion served with Au Poivre Sauce
Gateau de Crepe
Crepes layered with Pastry Cream topped with Fresh Berries and Creme Chantilly
Club 93
Pear Goat Cheese Salad
Pear Poached in Sage and White Wine with a Frisee Salad, Candied Walnuts and Goat Cheese
Pissaladiere
Provencal Onion, Anchovy, and Olive Puff Pastry Tart
Coq au Blanc
Chicken Breast in a White Wine Sauce with Haricot Vert and Pomme Puree
Profiteroles
Cream Puff filled with Amaretto Pastry Cream and topped with Chocolate Ganash
Event Link:
http://panthers.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=106844