Bay Meadows

These top chefs did more socializing than competing at a recent get-together at Bay Meadows’ Field House. The first residence of Bay Meadows’ Apartment Collection to open, Field House boasts a spacious club-room. What better place to plan a Top Chefs competition and mixer?

Danielle and Lucia of Bay Meadows’ leasing team planned the evening, which is part of Field House’s monthly events. Lucia says, “Residents enjoy having a way to meet each other. And there will soon be more residents in our Apartment Collection, with Quimby and The Russell opening. It’s a perfect time to meet new neighbors!”

And there was a feast to be had! About 20 residents participated and brought some of their favorite dishes. The judging was difficult, however, with so many delicious dishes. It turned out the top two winners tied, though there was no fighting over their prizes, as everyone was pleased to share.

Top Chefs and their Prizes:

• Spicy vegan rice dish by Sharanya. Some diners couldn’t believe the dish was vegan, but everyone was “ooh-ing” and “aah-ing” over this top entrée. Sharanya was not, however, revealing her secret sauce. PRIZE: KitchenAid Mixer
• Gluten-free Brownies by Selina and Matt. You read that right – gluten-free brownies and they won the top prize. Lucia couldn’t say enough about these treats, “… so rich in chocolate, pistachios, almond flour, coconut…”  PRIZE: KitchenAid Knife Set
• Teriyaki Chicken by Izumi. PRIZE: Top Chef Cookbook
• Sloppy Joes by Gary PRIZE: Top Chef Cookbook

Turns out that Danielle (who, as an organizer, didn’t qualify for the competition) is really quite the foodie and cooked not one, not two, but four dishes: barbecue short ribs, traditional meat loaf, classic mac ‘n’ cheese and green beans. Not to be outdone, Lucia – a native of Italy – made an Amatriciana pasta.

Local wine and beer was flowing and kept the party moving along.

A number of residents had just moved from places far and wide. One couple was just settling in to Field House from the United Kingdom. Another family recently moved from Germany. Another residents just moved here from Paris, while her neighbor (also attending) had just moved from Texas.

No longer Top Chef competitors; these neighbors can now call each other friends.

Walkscore.com rates Bay Meadows high on the list for walkable locations to live on the San Francisco Peninsula and for good reason! Why? Because we are steps from shopping (Hillsdale Center), groceries (Whole Foods), parks, a farmer’s market and an easy bike-ride from downtown San Mateo with its burgeoning restaurant scene. San Mateo’s shared Bay Bikes are on-site, so no need to own your own. And Caltrain is a quick stroll from anywhere in the neighborhood. Learn all about connecting the dots for your many transportation options with Connect San Mateo.