American Lamb Jam 2013 San Francisco July 21

The last few years the American Lamb Board has hosted an event called the American Lamb Jam. If you're a fan of lamb (and I know ewe are) this is a great way to see what top chefs can do with lamb and how truly versatile it is. 

As a preview to the event, I got a chance to attend a lunch after a garden tour (with a bobcat sighting!) at Wente Vineyards. 

Chef Matt Greco from The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards prepared a feast starting with a range of appetizers--lamb sausages, lamb mole tamales, barbecue pulled lamb, lamb pastrami (my favorite). He even found ways to use lamb fat in a grilled panisse with braised neck, green chickpeas and gypsy peppers. 

We then sat down and had our fill of roast leg, saddle and rack of lamb. 

Some things you might not know about American lamb:

A majority of the over 82,000 sheep operations in the US are  family owned and operated.

The top 5 sheep producing states are Texas, California, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota.

All American Lamb is hormone free and some of it is also antibiotic free.

American lamb grazes on grasses and legumes, helping to maintain healthy and sustainable pasture land. 

On Sunday, July 21 the American Lamb Jam will take place at Golden Gate Club from 2 – 5 pm.

Competing for the titles of “Best in Show,” “People’s Choice” and “Best Leg, Breast, Shank and Shoulder,” each chef will prepare a sampling of American lamb, to be voted on by members of the media as well as attendees.

In addition to eating plenty of lamb, attendees will enjoy local wine and beer, watch lamb butchery demos, and take home lamb swag.

Participating chefs:

Dino Vazquez, Eastside West Restaurant & Bar
Larry Finn, Scala’s Bistro
Vernon Morales, Town Hall Salt House

Sophie Uong, Pican Restaurant

Adam Mali, Mandarin Oriental Brasserie S&P

Francis Hogan, Bluestem Brasserie

Matt Greco, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards

Ben de Vries, Luella Restaurant

Mike Ransom, Jasper’s Corner Tap & Kitchen

Alicia Jenish, Grand Café

Antelmo Faria, Tacolicious

Laurance Gordon, Thirsty Bear

Charlie Ayers, Calafia Café

Kyle Itani, Hopscotch

Avery Holt, Puccini & Pinetti

Tickets are $60 for general admission. To buy tickets and for more details go to San Francisco Fans of Lamb.

A portion of the proceeds from Lamb Jam SF will benefit La Cocina‎, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultivating low income food entrepreneurs, providing affordable commercial kitchen space, industry-specific technical assistance and access to market opportunities.

For more information about the Lamb Jam or the American Lamb Board, please visit the American Lamb Board 

Disclaimer: I was a guest at the preview luncheon hosted by the American Lamb Board.