Skip to main content

Test Your Chef Skills for a Chance to Win a Mentorship from Rémy Martin & Iron Chef Marc Forgione

rémy martin
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Are you the one who wows friends with elaborate dishes when there’s a pot luck? Do you use words and phrases like “deglaze the pan” and “sous vide” in everyday conversation?

As a way of celebrating National Cognac Day while also showcasing the newest mentor in their Circle of Centaurs mentorship program, Cognac producer Rémy Martin may have the answer for you.

From now through March 15, you have the chance to win a mentorship from Iron Chef Marc Forgione (plus a cash prize to put towards growing your culinary skills) by simply creating and showing off a recipe that highlights how well Rémy Martin 1738 goes with food.

“The chef with the recipe that pairs best with Rémy Martin 1738 will win a mentorship with me and will cook alongside me for a National Cognac Day dinner in May,” Forgione explained.

This opportunity for one-on-one mentorship is at the core of Rémy Martin’s Circle of Centaurs program, which taps celebrities from various fields to inspire and encourage young up-and-comers to experiment, experience, and above all, achieve through creativity.

“I had the benefit of great mentors as I grew and learned in the industry and I believe that it’s important to give back and help the next emerging chef,” Forgione said, looking back on his own experience as an up-and-coming chef. “The early years in a young chef’s career are extremely important. Any great chef whose name you know, 99% of the time was mentored by someone great. When you find a good one, absorb as much as you can before you move on,” Forgione said of his own mentorship experiences.

Entering the contest is simple. If you’re over twenty-five years old, upload a photo of your original appetizer recipe once on one of the following platforms: Instagram or Remy Martin’s official Facebook page. You need to include the complete recipe and instructions in the caption of your post for review. Finally, tag with #RemyChef and @RemyMartin for your chance to win. The contest closes on March 15, 2017, at 11:59:59 and winner will be announced on March 30, 2017.

In thinking about what a winning recipe will look like, Forgione said he’s seeking a few key things. First, they’ll be looking for flavor and creativity. Perhaps more importantly, though, is showing off your personality.

“Try to show who you are on the plate,” Forgione said.

Do you have what it takes to try your hand at becoming the next big celebrity chef? If so, what are you waiting for? Get cooking!

Sam Slaughter
Sam Slaughter was the Food and Drink Editor for The Manual. Born and raised in New Jersey, he’s called the South home for…
Clams vs mussels: The differences explained
These two delicious ingredients are more different than you think
Seafood pasta

For whatever reason, shellfish has a rather high-maintenance reputation. Perhaps it's simply the lack of familiarity in many American households. Clams and mussels are indeed a delicious indulgence when dining out, but they are not necessarily a staple of weeknight dinners at home—at least, not necessarily in non-coastal states. Salmon or shrimp may be the fish that grace our tables on seafood night, but seldom mussels or clams. This may be because shellfish can be tricky and unfamiliar.

The truth is that both clams and mussels are impressive, delicious ingredients that are truly easy to prepare in a variety of ways. Whether steamed, broiled, baked, sauteed, or grilled, these beautifully briney little mollusks make for meals that feel elegant and sophisticated but with very little effort and usually a relatively small price tag. But what's the difference between these two shellfish, and how are they best used in your dishes at home?
Clams vs mussels: Similarities and differences

Read more
Copperworks releases 3 new whiskeys, and they’re outstanding
The Seattle-based distillery is release three whiskeys
Two whiskey glasses

If you’ve never heard of Copperworks Distilling Company, now is the time to get on the proverbial bandwagon. Opened in 2013, this distillery is located in downtown Seattle. But, even with a tasting room and gift shop, it’s more than just a tourist destination. This award-winning outfit is well-known for its series of gins, vodka, and its small batch American single malt whiskey.

Its prowess in crafting American single malt whiskey is what we find most exciting. That’s why we were very interested to hear that the distillery was releasing not one, not two, but three new single malt whiskeys. They are Copperworks American Single Malt Whiskey Single Cask No. 22-2 as well as Release 049 and Release 050.
The whiskeys

Read more
Midleton releases its oldest whiskey to date — here’s how much it costs
This whiskey was distilled when Nixon was the President
Midleton Whiskey

If you’re not an avid Irish whiskey drinker, you might not know about the whiskey prowess of The Midleton Distillery. Located in County Cork, Ireland, this Pernod Ricard-owned distillery has been crafting award-winning whiskeys since it was opened back in 1975. While the brand is known for myriad, limited-release, exceptional whiskeys, there are few more well-known than Midleton Very Rare.

Recently, the distillery announced the fifth chapter in its Silent Distillery Collection. Referred to as Chapter Five, this single-pot still whiskey isn’t the type of expression you’ll grab at your local liquor store. That’s because it’s Midleton’s oldest whiskey to date at 49 years old.
The whiskey

Read more