In honor of the upcoming Taste of NFL’s Party with a Purpose, get to know the event’s participating chefs. Check back weekly to get to know other Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose chefs from all over the nation!
Chef name: Jonathan Hale
Restaurant and location: The Prado at Balboa Park
Web site: dinecrg.com
Social media: Facebook.com/PradoBalboa; Twitter.com/PradoSD
What inspired you to take part in the Taste of the NFL’s Party with a Purpose? The opportunity to help others in the best way chefs know how, through food, was the real draw. Add football to the mix, and it was a no-brainer.
Any hints as to what you’ll be dishing up at the party? Well, I usually like to serve a dessert, but this dessert is a little more of the beaten path: foie gras ice cream popsicle. Chocolate coated and dusted in freeze dries raspberries.
Say you’re hosting a Super Bowl party. What dish do you serve to guests? It’s all about American classics on super Bowl Sunday. Combine two of my favorites: chicken wings and deviled eggs to make buffalo chicken deviled eggs. Mix the egg yolks with frank’s hot sauce, blue cheese and finely chopped chicken. Top with micro celery. So good!
Have you always had a passion for the culinary arts? How did you get your start? Yes, it’s always been about playing with knives and fire! I started out as a waiter when I was 19, and slowly progressed back to the kitchen. That was 1985, and I never left!
What do you love most about what you do? Apart from being around food, I love developing and watching members of our team grow and become more than they thought they could be.
What are your goals for the coming year? I am turning the big 5-0, so my goal is to be in the best shape of my life!
What food bank are you representing? San Diego Food Bank
And a few fun faves…
Favorite Super Bowl memory: There are a lot of those, but probably the Eli Manning to David Tyree circus catch for the Giants (vs the Patriots) last time the Super Bowl was in Arizona. Unbelievable!
Favorite sports-watching snack: I don’t do it often, but when I do it’s all about the salt and vinegar Pringles.
Favorite cocktail to whip up for Super Bowl guests: Boilermaker. Simple, straight to the point!
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Taste of the NFL Chef Chat: Jonathan Hale of Balboa Park
