The best of TASTE meets the best of TECH at Mira Awards Gala

Next Saturday, I will be attending the TechPoint Mira Awards for my 10th year in a row. I missed the first six galas because I was off doing some silliness working in another industry. Something I can say about the Miras after 10 experiences — besides all the glitz and glamour of everybody dressed to the nines and the fun that just happens when this community gets together —  is that every year there are certain things that really stick with you, and I have a feeling that this year people are going to be talking about the food, too.

A few of us were lucky enough to attend a Mira Awards food tasting recently, and I have to say, Chef Brendon Cheney at the JW Marriott is a genius, a demi-God of the edible realm.

I seriously didn’t know certain foods could taste like that. I’m no stranger to fine dining; I’ve traveled the world and tasted some of the best offerings from the coasts. What Chef Brendon does with comfort foods and the seemingly familiar, however, is pretty darn extraordinary.

See more photos from the food tasting on Facebook.

My guests for the impromptu tasting were Mira Award nominees Matt MacBeth and Don Inmon of pi lab, and Mitch Causey and Karlie Saine of Lesson.ly.

“When I think of banquet events I typically think of mid-tier food at best. However when I sampled the sous vide turkey, Gouda/Bacon grilled cheese & tomato bisque soup I felt like I’d just won an award. The sampling of food for the event is truly some of the best meals I’ve had and I can’t wait to experience it again at the Mira Awards!” — Don Inmon, President and Co-founder of pi lab

“There are going to be a lot of great achievements recognized at Mira, but in the food category, the Sage Reduction sauce takes top honors!” — Mitch Causey, Director of Marketing, Lesson.ly

“Let’s just say, I’m looking forward to eating every single item on this menu again; it’s incredibly memorable and inventive.” — Karlie Saine, Client Experience Manager, Lesson.ly

2015 TechPoint Mira Awards Gala
Dinner Menu

PLATED CARVING STATIONS
Coriander Brined Pork Loin
with Parsnip Puree, Asparagus, and Tomato Confit
Turkey Breast Confit
with Truffle Whipped Yukon Potato, Roasted Root Vegetables, and Sage Reduction

SUSHI WALLS
Shrimp Roll, California Roll and Vegetarian Roll
Served with Wasabi, Soy Sauce, and Pickled Ginger

GRILLED CHEESE SERVING STATIONS
Short Rib with Oaxaca
Smoked Gouda with Bacon and Tomato
Classic Grilled Cheese with Cheddar and Provolone
with Gourmet Tomato Basil Bisque

SALAD COMPOSITIONS
Roasted Cauliflower and Smoked Cheddar
with Honey Shallot Dressing, Spinach and Pine Nuts
Quinoa and Farro Salad
with Pomegranate Vinaigrette, Arugula, Dried Cheery and Pistachio

Need Tickets?

The Mira Awards black-tie ceremony and gala at the JW Marriott features an interactive dinner, Oscars-style theatre presentation, unique raffle experiences benefitting the TechPoint Foundation for Youth, and a masquerade-themed after party with a live band and other fun activities. A limited number of tickets are available, but the event is expected to sell out like it did last year.