Cityview Magazine’s Top Chefs 2022 Competition
This year, we were beyond thrilled to learn that our very own Chef Darin Hoagland was invited to participate in Cityview Magazine’s Top Chefs competition! During the event guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional hand-picked menu curated by Chef Darin, as well as enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.
This year, we were beyond thrilled to learn that our very own Chef Darin Hoagland was invited to participate in Cityview Magazine’s Top Chefs competition! Each spring there are seven, one-night-only events that happen throughout Knoxville where seven restaurant’s chefs are invited to participate in a competition that is all about bringing an unforgettable experience to all who attend. During the event guests had the opportunity to enjoy an exceptional hand-picked menu curated by Chef Darin as well as an unforgettable dining experience. Ticket sales benefitted East Tennessee Children's Hospital.
We are happy to report that this year, $28,800 was donated to East Tennessee’s Children’s Hospital.
The Curated Menu
Chef Darin curated a menu that drew on his journey as a chef thus far. With a cameo of a Royale favorite to homages to his time in Florida and childhood favorites, the menu was as eclectic as the evening!
Appetizer - Tuna Sashimi
A dish that is commonly requested, the Tuna Sashimi is made with kimchi mayo, sweet soy reduction, scallions, pickled ginger, wasabi cream cheese, crispy wonton, and tobiko. This appetizer is paired with J Vineyards ‘J’ Brut Rose, Russian River Valley.
Entree - Caribbean Jerked Black Grouper
This entree is made with okinawan purple sweet potato, papaya, mango, kiwi salsa, crispy plantains, and coconut beurre blanc. The Grouper goes great with a glass of 2019 Pieropan Calvarino, Italy.
Dessert - Strawberry Rhubarb
This dessert is made in phyllo with whipped vanilla ricotta, sweet cream, strawberry caviar, and spun sugar. Who doesn’t love a glass of wine with their dessert? This one pairs great with a 2019 Ratti Ochetti Nebbiolo, Italy.
Results are in!
This event was one of the best nights of Chef Darin’s career! While the experience was intense and exhilarating, Chef Darin performed some of his best work under pressure! When asked what his proudest moment of the evening was, he said it was after competing in the event with his staff. Being able to see how proud everyone was of themselves meant the most to him and was the biggest reward of the evening.
The results of the 2022 Top Chefs Competition are in!
APPETIZER
1ST PLACE – Tuna Sashimi Crisp
DESSERT
2ND PLACE – Strawberry Rhubarb
EXPERIENCE
3RD PLACE – Darin Hoagland
We couldn’t be more proud of Chef Darin and the entire Oliver Royale team! We can’t wait for next year’s competition!
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P.S. Don’t forget about our Q2 fundraiser for Knoxville Habitat for Humanity happening now through June 30th. For every Royale Roulette or Librarian Recommendation (PKL) ordered - a $1 donation will be made on your behalf to Knoxville Habitat for Humanity, as well as a percentage of every ticket purchased for one of our wine dinners.
We’re REAL Certified!
Over the past year Oliver Royale has made it it’s mission to be a leader in the restaurant industry while focusing on creating locally sourced menus, supporting our surrounding community, and promoting health and sustainability in everything we do!
In March of 2017 we received notice that Oliver Royale was awarded the Snail of Approval which honors local restaurants and food businesses that exemplify the principles of Slow Food and contribute to the quality, authenticity, and sustainability of food in our community.
This year we’re proud to announce that Oliver Royale is now REAL Certified!
Following an in-detail audit for healthful and sustainable practice, Oliver Royale has been nationally recognized by the REAL trust-mark for restaurants and food service providers that are committed to promoting health and sustainability within the industry. This certification means that we stand out from others in the industry for our REAL food practices. You, our community and customers, are playing a part in the growing health of not only our diners, but also our nation.
In order to achieve this recognition, Oliver Royale opened its kitchen to a full-scale audit, conducted by a REAL Certified Registered Dietitian. We knew that walking the walk was critical in indicating our commitment to transparency within the food service world but also to our patrons here at home.
In qualifying for REAL certification, Oliver Royale ranks in the top 25% of restaurants nationwide, for our commitment to serving high-quality REAL food. We also meet the following prerequisites:
- Having a vegetarian entrée on the menu, or clearly stating that a vegetarian substitution can be made at no additional cost.
Not cooking or baking with any hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil or fat.
Having a menu comprised of entrées that provide a full serving of fresh produce.
Here are some of the specific ways in which Oliver Royale further supports the health of its dining community:
Our food preparation is exceptional, largely because of our focus on cooking in-house from scratch, our use of plant-based oils, and our incorporation of healthy cooking practices.
Our commitment to ingredient quality is significant, particularly in these categories: sustainably sourced produce, regionally sourced organic chicken, and sustainable seafood.
We minimize environmental impact through the following sustainability measures: Snail of Approval certification.
As far as we’re concerned, a win for us is a win for Knoxville! We couldn’t do it without YOU! Cheers to attaining our next best! Keep an eye out for our Spring Menu - debuting soon!