From the Food Editor: Don't break my heart, vote for my sushi roll
It wasn't that long ago that I shunned sushi. And while it's still not my first choice when dining out, I've certainly grown to like it, so much so that I jumped at the chance to create a signature roll for RA Sushi Lombard's “Foodies Show Heart” charity competition.
Three local food bloggers and I worked with the sushi masters, and I can't wait for you to come out to the restaurant, 310 Yorktown Shopping Center, from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, and try our creations.
In keeping with the “heart” theme of the event, I created a Latin-inspired roll with tuna, yellow tail, jalapeño, red pepper, mango and cilantro I call The Heartbreaker Roll. But the bold flavor is just the beginning. The ingredients are rolled up in pink soy paper into — get this — a heart shape!
Should you like my roll and it wins the competition, it will be featured on the menu at RA Sushi's three locations in March and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association.
My competition includes:
Ÿ Barbara Felt-Miller, creator of Felt Like a Foodie, and her In the Line of Fire Roll that will benefit the 100 Club of DuPage County
Ÿ MJ Tam, co-creator of Chicagonista, whose The Chicagonista Roll will help out Lurie Children's Hospital
Ÿ Samantha Schultz, creator of The Peanuts Gang blog, is partnering with Donna's Good Things and came up with the Prima Donna Roll.
Foodies Show Heart is open to the public and entrance is free. Happy hour prices will be available throughout the event, including more than 30 appetizer, tapas and sushi selections ranging from $2.25 to $7.25.
Of course I want you to vote for my roll and help people like Moira Morgan of Naperville who benefit from WDSRA programs, but I won't be too heart broken if you don't.
Speaking of hearts: Don't leave your Valentine's heart broken — pick up a box of Kohler's Dark Chocolate Hearts.
Bite gently into the garnet shell and reveal a silky raspberry ganache accented with champagne and cognac. These treats, created by the award-winning chocolatiers at Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates, will make you weak in the knees.
They're available in boxes of four ($9.99), nine ($18.99) and 32 ($59.99). You can order them online at KOHLERchocolates.com, or head to the Kohler Water Spa in Burr Ridge, 775 Village Center Drive. Hey, it beats the three-hour drive into Wisconsin.
Ÿ Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at dpankey@dailyherald.com or (847) 427-4524. Be her friend on Facebook.com/DebPankey.DailyHerald or follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter @PankeysPlate.