Panasonic Academic Challenge - 2007

Friday, June 22, 2007

The 20th Panasonic Academic Challenge, Tom's 10th, was at the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. This annual event is a competition among states and territories of the United States giving us yet another opportunity to enjoy the fine WDW cuisine with Kate and Sal.

Early in the morning, the fleet comes out for the day.

Today was the Dreaded Day and Tom was in a day-long meeting to verify all the questions and answers to be used in the 6 rounds of questions. Kate and Sal's flight was delayed getting out of Philadelphia and arrived at 1145. They were met by a car and driver (our treat) and transported to the Contemporary Hotel. Dinner, tonight, was a return to the sushi counter of the California Grill.

The Dreaded Day
Music professor Howard Duff looks on as John Miller holds Isaac up for a look. We read (and debated) 390 button questions and the contents of 18 team questions.
<<< The California Grill >>>
Although Yoshie was, once again, short-handed, she and Matt created fabulous sushi. 
Menu

The Bar
Tom had three of Dennis's Manhattans. He usually uses Maker's Mark, but also surprised Tom with Crown Royal, which was very smooth (7@) Lyd, Kate and Sal enjoyed two bottles of the Angoves, Clare Valley Riesling '05 (40@)

Lyd's Choices
The starter was a Timbale of Crab with Salad of Pea Shoots, Radish, Spring Pea Nage, and Lemon  Yogurt Drops (15)

The entree was Spring Garlic, Leek and Potato Ravioli with Morel Mushrooms, Truffe, Carrot Coulis and Blue Cheese (23)
At some point, Lyd ordered Valrhona Chocolate and Strawberry Warm chocolate cake with molten center, house-made strawberry ice cream and strawberry sauce (10), but by the time I saw it only the empty plate was left to capture as an image.

Tom, Sal and Kate's Choices
Yoshie and Matt made a combination of: Big Bang Rolls, Spicy Sensation, Solo sushi, Medusa Roll, Sashimi, and Tuna 3 Way (102!)
Dennis and Abdel  
 

Yoshie is the queen of sushi.