Tag Archives: muddy chef challenge

Register for the 2023 Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge

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The Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge is an event like no other.  Over three days participants will camp under beautiful Vermont skies, face a series of off-road challenges, participate in two world-class vehicle based cooking contests, learn to make craft cocktails, and test their culinary skills.  

The Muddy Chef Challenge is exclusively open to Land Rover owners.  You will see brand new Land Rovers alongside 50 year old Series trucks.  Join us for the 12th annual Muddy Chef Challenge in Poultney, Vermont. 
 

Registration is now open for the 2023 Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge in Vermont.

Planning an efficent route for the GBBR 50

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50 Breweries in a single day. 

Efficient planning is critical to your success in knocking off the maximum number of breweries in a single day.  The MCC staff likes to use https://www.routexl.com/  You can drop in up to 20 addresses at a time.  Other routing programs include Google Maps, and Garmin Basecamp.

 
Good luck!

 

 

Ellsworth Classics – NEW SPONSOR

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Want a classic Land Rover? Head over to Ellsworth Classics and check out their inventory.

2018 SPONSORS

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2016 SPONSORS

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LAND ROVER MUDDY CHEF SPONSOR LIST 2017

2014 SPONSORS

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The WINNERS of the 2020 Mudd-E Chef Challenge

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We are pleased to announce the winners of the first Mudd-e Chef Challenge!  Thank you to all of the teams that participated in this event.  I’ve included all the contestant’s videos below.  YOU CAN PICK YOUR FAVORITE!  Visit the Muddy Chef Facebook page. 

 

BANANA SHIRTS:

https://youtu.be/VqooS0bafHE

SEAFARI:

Seafari Rovers Flat Tire Eggs

603 ROVER:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkpY19-CmB0

DEMON BREWER:

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FmSOqSXjOTeQ%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3Bjr37Q2QGSX2IAdKIqNCDUBW6LOjZk454VODfHB1iOpOHTXgTPcxHWZ4&h=AT2nJAySBDIOZmmDcBWTn-3wJlNy8WK29bjTW48yl-VQJSJG3ytvEvImLoL5ChYkyWIYdqrQt80fh-NTwj_kO85SgWgNS8fsDse_SljSIsLV9eDiHvzCZBj8w-y6JKCSpFpx

MAIN STREET KITCHENS:

Part 1 – Main Video

https://youtu.be/AAihvOqvc3Q

Part 2- Time Lapse of Prep

https://youtu.be/y4y-vtFHn-Q

Part 3- Eating of Dish

https://youtu.be/4SVtsyNWMmY

Part 4 – Land Rover Winter Haven FL- Jason

https://youtu.be/Loo_jKRWt50

Part 5- Last one- Land Rover Fun- Jason

https://youtu.be/GTcVRBiXimk

OSKI BEARS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(NOTE: The Oski Bears team is sheltering in place in the northwoods and do not have the capacity to upload a video.  Please take that into consideration if you choose to vote for them in the public “who do you want to win” competetion)

Crunchy Muddy Chef Single Cow Apple Wood Smoked Burgers!!

Start fire before preparing burgers. 

1 pound On the Edge Single  Cow beef

1/2 chopped onion

3 smooshed and chopped garlic cloves 

1/4 red bell pepper 

Fresh ground Salt & Pepper

Moosh it all together using gloves or baggies. Incorporate the above ingredients on  the inside of raw meat. 

Meanwhile prepare and watch  the apple wood fire. 

Above mixture Held together with Drizzle of Worchestshire sauce, salt & pepper 

3 tablespoons Panko Bread crumbs and 

2 Mudd-E eggs. 

Slice Cheddar, tomato, brioche bun. Butter buns and briefly smoke for 20 seconds on pan or foil. Fast.  

Toast bun on Fire while burgers smoke and sizzle.  

Put burgers on fire, flip once. Smoke and cover.  Add cheese. 

When cheese melts remove from smoker. 

Whole cooking process is less than 10 minutes. Not including fire prep. 

The egg panko mix makes the outer surface of burger crunchy. Like an egg bubble shell. The eggs do the work. 

Voila!! Delicious!!

 

 

 

Mudd-e Chef Challenge – Cook from HOME

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THE MUDD-e CHEF CHALLENGE

Win glory and prizes from the safety of your own home! 

REGISTER HERE

The Challenge:

Create a dish using two eggs and any other ingredients you choose. 

We need you to shoot a short video (no longer than three minutes) and upload it to your Facebook or YouTube page.  Then send the link to info@muddychef.com   Once received, I will distribute the videos to our judges.   Since the judges cannot taste your dish, you will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Gratuitous Land Rover product placement.
  2. Creative use of the primary ingredient – eggs.
  3. Production value of your video (funny, high quality, entertaining, etc.).
  4. Difficulty of creating your dish.
  5. Is your dish so good that our judges would want to make it themselves.

Depending on the total number of entries we will pick a first, second and third place winner.  If we have more than 6 contestants, we will create a bracket-style leaderboard and the winners of each round will move on to the next round.   Winners will receive a special edition Muddy Chef Challenge Mug and whatever prizes I can scrounge up in the MCC garage.

Competition begins: 4/6/2020

Competition ends: 4/12/2020

Want to sign up?  Competition ended.

Want to know who won? Click HERE

The Muddy Chef Challenge Competition

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Mike Ladden of Drive the Globe shot this awesome video!

Off-Road Adventure at the 2019 Muddy Chef Challenge

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Thanks to Dive the Globe for this fantastic video.  

OFF-ROAD – The Land Rover Jubilee Challenge

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Fun free activities at the Muddy Chef Challenge!

Sign Up Today! Test your off-road driving skills on the Land Rover Jubilee Challenge course, located at the Land Rover Experience Center. You will be judged on accuracy and efficiency while driving the 2018 Land Rover Discovery. Prizes will be awarded to top three participants. 

FANTASTIC PRIZES FROM ORVIS ADVENTURES

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JUMP IN!

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The Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge

British Carburetors LLC – OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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MUDDY CHEF GARAGE – Discovery 2 HID light installation

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The “how to” video that accompanies the Spring 2018 Field Guide Magazine.  

The MCC on Drive the Globe!

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Land Rover – TITLE SPONSOR OF THE 2018 Muddy Chef Challenge

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Paul Odelson / PROFILE

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The Solihull Questionnaire

If Land Rover made an aircraft would you fly in it?   Why/Why Not?

No. Hell no. Don’t want to play the “what’s that noise” game at 5,000 feet 

Tell us a little about your background, your career, and where you live.

Born in New York City, Staten Island to be exact, aka the cousin Oliver of the boroughs. Grew up in Jersey. Went to college in New Hampshire fell in love with New England and never left. I practice real estate in Boston, but live about a 100 miles out of town in rural New Hampshire in a town with no post office and more dogs than people.


What’s your team name?

Team Blockheads. When you see my yellow labs it makes total sense


How many Land Rovers have you owned and which was your favorite?

A 73 Series 3 88, 96 Disco, 93 RRC, 95 RRC and currently a 60 109, 67? Lightweight and a 98 D1. By far the lightweight.  Actually has a little speed, for a Rover


What’s the best thing about owning a Land Rover?

They give you a sense of humor and patience and if they don’t, nothing will


What’s the worst thing about owning a Land Rover?

I’ve heard good things about something called “heat” inside vehicles. Hoping Land Rover decides to look into that one day.


Been on an adventure? – tell us about it

Are we talking a breakdown adventure? Because I don’t know how much room I have.


If you could ask Land Rover for a particular type of vehicle what would it be?

A lhd 130 would be nice but a vehicle from Rover chock full of lightweight parts would be nicer.  You know how tough it is to source lightweight parts in the States??

If you were on safari which three (living, dead, or fictional) people would you pick to bring along?

George Adamson


Denys Finch Hatton

Taylor Swift. I mean have you seen that video with her and the Rovers?

Whistle Pig Whiskey – OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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EVENT SCHEDULE

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Thursday, July 26

Event Registration and Campsite Setup
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.  

Registration opens at 11:00 a.m. for all guests.  Campsite setup and meet and greet.  Campsite registration closes at 7:00 p.m.  You must be onsite by 7:00 p.m.
 
The Low Range Games – Bridge To Nowhere / Rat Cage
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enjoy a challenge?  Join us for two great events.  The Rat Cage event will test your ability to handle your Land Rover and problem solve in tight confines.  Service Bay – build a simulated log bridge and navigate your vehicle over the abyss.  Minimum of three teammates required for this event. 

Fly-Casting and Private Tour at the Orvis Flagship Store
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Want to try your hand a fly fishing?  Join the Orvis Adventures staff at the Orvis casting pond at the Orvis flagship store in downtown Manchester.  The Orvis flagship store will open for a special private tour and sale – only for Muddy Chef attendees. 

6:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m. – Vendor Village Opens – Vendor Presentations

13th Street Cocktails
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments. 

Quiet Hours
11:00 p.m.

Friday, July 27

Late Event Registration and Campsite Setup
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  

NEW! HOT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE RILEY RINK!  7:00 A.M – 11.:00 a.m

SHOWERS AT THE RILEY RINK 7:00 AM – 11:00 a.m

Beginner Off-Road Training
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  

Basic off-road skills and tactics.  Dorset Quarry tour after training.   
 
Guided Off-Road Tour
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join Logan/Gene/Peter for a guided off-road adventure.  You will be divided into three groups.  Make sure to speak with each group leader about your preference of off-road difficulty.  Please have your vehicle ready for an afternoon of off-road adventure.  Please make sure to have your vehicle fully fueled and ready to go.  Vehicles will assemble into groups and depart promptly at 10:00 a.m. 

Un-guided Off-Road (Maps will be provided in the field guide)
10:00 a.m.

Assorted Events (Falconry, Fly Fishing, Sporting Clay, etc.)
10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

Training – Using a spotter for challenging terrain. (new)

New for 2018.  Join Eric Yohe for a quick lesson in effective spotting.  Learn appropriate hand signals and how to use nonverbal communication to guide a vehicle through difficult terrain – without damage. 

12:00 p.m.  – Lunch on your own

RETURN TO CAMPSITE / PREP FOR CHOPPED / FANCY DRESS PARTY PREP
4:00 p.m.

Chopped at The Muddy Chef Challenge (BOORN BROOK FARM, 527 Benson Road, Manchester Center, VT)
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

New location for 2018.  Boorn Brook Farm and the Green Mountain Falconry School.  Join the staff of the Boorn Brook Farm for a tour of this amazing estate, a chance to see an African Eagle and an assortment of birds of prey and cheer your favorite Chopped team! 

What is Chopped at the Muddy Chef Challenge?  It’s just like the Food Network TV show – without the kitchen!  Contestants must bring everything they need to prepare, cook, and serve a gourmet meal – all from a mystery box of ingredients.  Please note – there is an additional cost to register for this event.  CLICK HERE to register.  All Chopped contestants receive custom gifts available only to Chopped competitors.   If you like a challenge this is the event for you! 

7:00 p.m.  – 8:00 p.m. – Vendor Presentations

13th Street Cocktails
8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments. 

Quiet Hours
11:00 p.m.

Saturday, July 28

NEW! HOT COFFEE AND BREAKFAST SANDWICHES AT THE RILEY RINK!  7:00 A.M – 11.:00 a.m.

SHOWERS AT THE RILEY RINK 7:00 AM – 11:00 a.m

Late Arrival Event Registration and Campsite Setup
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  

Final event registration and campsite set up.  After 10:00 a.m. registration is closed unless you have spoken to the organizer and made prior arrangements.  Have an emergency?  Send an e-mail to info@muddychef.com 

Beginner Off-Road Training
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.  

Basic off-road skills and tactics.  Anyone who took part in the Friday training will be qualified for an advanced trail run on Saturday. 
 
Guided Off-Road Tour
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join Logan/Gene/Peter for a guided off-road adventure.  You need to have your vehicle ready for an afternoon of off-road adventure.  Please make sure to have your vehicle fully fueled and ready to go.  Vehicles will assemble into groups and depart promptly at 10:00 a.m. 

Un-guided Off-Road (Maps will be provided in the field guide)
10:00 a.m.

Assorted Events (Falconry, Fly Fishing, Sporting Clay, etc.)
10:00 a.m.

12:00 p.m.  – Lunch on your own

4:00 p.m.  Announcements ahead of the Muddy Chef Challenge

The Muddy Chef Challenge
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The MAIN EVENT!  Your team will create amazing dishes for our judges.  You need to prepare an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert.  Extra points are awarded for use of locally sourced ingredients.  Click here for a complete list of rules.

13th Street Cocktails
9:00 p.m. – whenever!

Join Aaron and 13th Street Cocktails for an evening of legendary refreshments. 

Sunday, July 29

Awards Ceremony
10:00 a.m.  

Awards and goodbyes.  

ROVERS MAGAZINE – covers the Muddy Chef

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Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

POSTED BY · NOVEMBER 8, 2016

 

On a damp July morning, a large convoy of Ferraris drove slowly in a circle around an encampment of Land Rovers. As Green Oval enthusiasts ogled the Ferraris, Prancing Horse aficionados stared at the Land Rovers. Weirder things have happened, but not many.

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

At first I attributed this alternative universe moment to the presence of the free beer from the Branford, CT, Stony Creek Brewery, free rum from the Newport, RI, Thomas Tew Distillery and free cocktails from the 13th St. Cocktail Catering. Even the restorative powers of the free Cide Road Switchel didn’t change the oddity of this moment.

This added to the sounds, sights and smells provided by the Muddy Chef Challenge, held July 28-31, in Lakeville, CT, the home of the famous Lime Rock sports car race track. Nestled in the stunning countryside of the state’s northwest corner, the track hosted the Ferrari Challenge race series that weekend. The howl of tightly wound-up engines mixed with the growl of Land Rover’s pushrod V-8’s and ticking pushrods of the venerable 2.25 L four cylinder to provide an aural symphony every morning; the noise also helped shake off the effects of the free drinks.

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Eric Yohe created this unique experience eight years ago, a heady cocktail mixing Land Rover models of all vintages with foodies, extreme grillers, campers and off-roaders. Eric and his team also brought in vendors with enticing products and services, and not surprisingly, you find something to please most everyone. A terrific group of volunteers, including Kristen Feeney, Gene Schubert and Peter Batenaro, among others, helped smooth out the bumps resulting from the rainy weather and large turnout. Raffle income would go to the designated charity, Autism Speaks.

Most everyone in attendance had come from CT or bordering states like NY and MA—and there were a lot of them. Registrations ran well over 100 and hundreds more enthusiasts formed some 90 culinary teams. Rovers North’s Rob Smith drove down from VT in his’ ‘94 Defender and enjoyed “the sports cars racing, meeting Rovers North customers, meeting new enthusiasts and the mix of vehicles.” Michael Ladden, Hampden, MA and Carrie Touchette erected a tent large enough for a circus and for unfurling an old “West Connecticut Land Rover Club” banner (with a Yorkie for a guard dog). John Vallerand, Greene, ME, made another one of his epic drives in his Series II-A 88”. This time he packed the Rover with the largest teepee tent I’d ever seen, as well as his mother and sister. Somehow he found room for his signature cooling utensil, a round griddle the size of a manhole cover.

In comparison, my tent was the size of a beach towel which barely covered my sleeping bag and slender air mattress, but only if I lay them out diagonally. My drive from my island town in Maine totaled 7.5 hours, which included a 1.5 hour ferry trip and the muggiest, hottest, most congested drive imaginable along the interstates in Massachusetts (#nomoresummertravel).

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

I arrived at the fabled race track on a Thursday night, found my assigned camp spot and erected my tiny L.L. Bean tent. I also set up my tiny, two burner camp stove, small cooler bag and diminutive water jug, my one fork and spoon, ready to show off my culinary talents. By that evening a steady stream of Range Rovers, Discoverys and Defenders had emptied out their contents of Tent Mahals, grills the size of kitchen stoves, coolers that rivaled dumpsters in size—and an assortment of tables, chairs, vases, cutlery and linens that accompanied their equipment. All this glamping made me feel like a desert nomad marveling at the encampment of a sheik and his entourage.

Mike Chioffe, Stamford, CT works in IT for a hedge fund, but his escape comes in the form of a ‘95 Range Rover Classic, into which he’s put a considerable amount of sweat equity and overseen some restorative work. Mike’s tent and camp kitchen made mine look like pet’s quarters, but could barely compare with the Big Box Store footprint of Keri and Kieran Dunn from Norwalk, CT. Keri, who works for Vineyard Vines, and Kieran, who works for Pitney-Bowes, have owned their ‘02 P38 Range Rover for just a year; Keri calls it “one classy car.” The daily driver disgorged a tent so large you could stand up in it, complete with an inflatable, full sized double bed. A folding table enabled them to set up their propane-fueled baking oven as well as serve drinks in a refined manner. Durbin Hunter and Haleigh Lipnick, also from Stamford, brought an enormous tent, several propane tanks to fuel their cookstove and with cookware of restaurant quality. For grins they brought along a Golden Retriever with a proper name of Wellington—but who only answered to Mr. Pickles—that entertained every kid in the encampment. Adam and Rebecca Check, Bolton, MA, former winners at the event, created a movie set field kitchen behind their Range Rover that simply dazzled; I slid over every so often to see if I could mooch additional samples of their cooking.

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

You could off-road during the day, with extreme trails a long ride away in MA. Across the hills lay Dutchess County, NY, with its own quaint villages, hillside gentleman farms and country roads. It’s also the home of the Orvis Sandanona Shooting School with its own off-road trails, and Crown Maple Farms, on whose property you could also go off-roading on forest trails. Both required about a 45-minute drive and some long waits on the trails, but in the beautiful landscape, whining about it seemed ridiculous. Besides, the Orvis lodge combined stunning rifles and gear with private club levels of leather chairs, drink and food, which Tim Smith, Norwalk, CT and I enjoyed enormously. Crown Maple Farms’ buildings hid their production inside handsome barns featuring tours, free samples and outdoor dining. Each day’s off-roading also featured an “Iron Chef” competition for those challenged to cook on the fly.

If you tired of the culinary world you could enjoy the Land Rovers surrounding you. Manny Backman, Warrington, PA, and his son, Kevin, Titusville, NJ, arrived in their ‘04 Discovery II. Kevin works for Major League Baseball and takes his ‘67 Series II-A to the train station. Nancy and Vincent Chong, Chappaqua, NY, found their ‘85 Land Rover 110 on Ebay and had it shipped from Florida to New York. They painted it themselves using a roller brush and treated it to a personalized plate that reads “CLIFF4D,” as in Big Red Dog. Professional race car driver Mark Hamilton Peters, Lakeville, CT and Sophie Purdy, Sharon, MA, enjoyed the day in a ‘64 Series II-A 109”, a former NATO Belgian military vehicle with a glorious patina. Bill Schimkowski, Westborough, MA, brought his restored Sage Green ‘61 Series II-A 88”; it reminded me how nice mine would look if I would stop using it for work. Bill let me drive his and demonstrate some of its off-road capabilities.

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Pediatrician Lin-Lin Remenar, her husband, David, and children Van, Jude and Sydney, arrived in their ’88 and ‘95 Range Rovers. She noted that the Land Rover people they’ve met come from “all walks of life.” “Land Rover owners love leads to passion, which we need more of!” She admitted to some nerves when first off-roading, but said it had become “amazingly addictive!”

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

During one afternoon event Will Hedrick gave a presentation on his efforts to help enthusiasts hold onto their imported Defenders. Throughout the event the UK firm Arkonik presented their refurbished Defenders to excite the gathering. Founder Andy Hayes has spent several years searching out 25-year-old Land Rovers for importation to the US. He calls them “pieces of history, designed brilliantly and refurbished as such.” He seeks to have them leave his shop “better than they were in the day.” Most are from Continental countries so they can be LHD for the American market. For legal importation, the 90/110’s and Defenders must leave with their original engines; for now, that means 3.5 V-8’s or 2.5 L petrol or diesels. The handsome paint jobs and custom seats (one of which would not lift to access the underseat battery) made them look even more striking and certainly added to the joy of the test drives/rides offered generously throughout the event. Client Communications Manager Jasmin Clinton spoke of the many efforts made to educate Americans unfamiliar with these models—and also enjoyed her first ever trip to the US. Prestige Motors of New Jersey works with Arkonik on US sales and became a sponsor of the event.

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

Muddy Chef Challenge 2016

The “Challenge” part of the Muddy Chef Challenge kept the judges exhausted. Jim and Robert Wollschlager, of Mystic, CT and Omaha, NE, respectively, won the Team Spirit Award with their twin Series Land Rovers. Lars Vigen, Madison, CT, won the Best Campsite award due to the weekend edition of a stuffed coyote [don’t ask]. The culinary competition categories included dessert, appetizers and entrees. You earned extra points for using locally-sourced ingredients (I learned that purchases made at a nearby grocery store didn’t count), in addition to numerous other considerations. Terry Jackson, Lewiston, ME, brought his winning ingredients in his ‘11 LR4. They combined to create “sashimi tuna with a soy, sesame oil and Hillrock Distillery Bourbon glaze, on a mango and roasted corn salsa bed.” Oh—no wonder my stuffed mushrooms failed to garner an award.

By Jeffrey Aronson
Photography: Jeffrey Aronson, Aimee Almstead

TAKING THE MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE | LAND ROVER GLOBAL

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TAKING THE MUDDY CHEF CHALLENGE

10 AUGUST 2016

Since 2008, Land Rover enthusiasts in the North East have been having fun cooking and camping in the annual Land Rover Muddy Chef Challenge.. This year’s challenge at Lime Rock Park, CT was a culinary overload, says Bill Gonyea, General Manager at Prestige Land Rover, the event’s title sponsor.

What is The Muddy Chef Challenge?

This is passionate, die-hard Land Rover enthusiasts getting together in the picturesque grounds of Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut for three days of cooking, camping and a lot of fun. It’s been going on since 2008 and this year there were around 110 Land Rover vehicles with owners, families and friends attended, over 350 attendees in total. They hold lots of off-road adventures, seminars, fancy-dress parties, vendor displays and plenty of sampling of adult beverages around the campfire. It really is a fun event. The organizers like to describe it as Top Gear meets Top Chef.

 

Why the big focus on cooking?

The guy who founded it, Eric Yohe, is a passionate Land Rover enthusiast and an equally passionate foodie. I think it started out as a few friends taking their Land Rover vehicles camping and having fun cooking out. It has grown from there. Now, over the Muddy Chef Challenge weekend, there are two major cooking competitions with teams having to prepare gourmet meals using only locally-sourced ingredients, and only using cooking equipment they can carry in their Land Rover vehicles. It was amazing how elaborate some of the kitchens were, with huge tents and grills.

Who takes part in the event?

Passionate Land Rover enthusiasts, first and foremost. These are mostly Heritage enthusiasts who brought along their Defender, their 110s and 90s, their Series II, their LR3 and Discovery vehicles. It also draws in owners with newer LR4 and Range Rover vehicles. They come along with their families and friends, set-up their tents and focus on having a great time.

Prestige Land Rover was the title sponsor. Why does the dealership get involved?

This was our first year as title sponsor. The main attraction for us is the opportunity it gives us to increase exposure for our new models. We trucked-in twelve new Land Rover vehicles – Discovery Sport, LR4, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport. We also provided a few LR4 vehicles for the organizers to use as shuttle vehicles to move people around. We had test drive opportunities during the weekend and on the Thursday before the challenge, we held an off-roading event for customers at the nearby Orvis Sandanona clay-shooting grounds in Millbrook, New York.

You were also a judge in the cooking contest. How was the experience?

Both myself and Chris Turner, who is President of the Prestige Group and owner of a restored Land Rover Defender 110, were judges for the Saturday night contest. You have to remember that over 90 teams take part, that’s a lot of food to taste. Then there’s the added dimension that they pair most of the meals with a different beverage from some of the event sponsors, like Hillrock Estate bourbon or Thomas Tew rum. It was a long night.

Will you be back next year?

Most definitely. We’ve already had meetings with the organizers talking about ways the event might grow and how they might widen the appeal. I really do think it has the potential to be a much larger event in the future.

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An afternoon of Polo at the Fairfield Hunt Club, Westport, CT ~ Aug 28, 2016

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Join Arkonik and The Muddy Chef Challenge crew for an afternoon of Polo.   This is the sixth annual Gold’s Dragoons Polo Cup match.  Watch Gold’s Dragoons battle Squadron A.   Come early so we can park alongside each other and tailgate in style!  Pack your Yeti coolers and grab your pop-up canopy, lunch baskets, and head out for an amazing afternoon of polo.  

The match is held at the Fairfield Hunt Club.  Located at 174 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880.  Tailgating starts at 1:00 and match play begins at 3:00.  Prizes are awarded for the best ladies hat and the best tailgate.   As this is a Muddy Chef Challenge affiliated event, the price of admission is – FREE!

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Don’t want to pack a lunch or cooler?  No worries, you can buy drinks and a catered lunch at the club.  The lunch is $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for kids.  

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Land Rover stopped manufacturing the Defender on January 29, 2016.  After being produced in various forms for the past 68 years, the iconic Defender – the quintessential safari vehicle is no more.  What’s a US based enthusiast to do?  Have you seen the prices on e-bay?  Huge sums for Defenders in a wide variety of conditions – from rusted out hulks to “brand new” models of dubious legal status.   We’re talking serious risk and serious money.  What can a potential buyer do to find and purchase the Defender of their dreams?  Have one custom made.  Your color, your options, your ideas, your dreams.  Arkonik is dedicated to creating the finest Land Rover Defenders in the world.  100% legal for import to the United States.  

Visit with Tom Maxwell of Arkonik at the polo match to learn more (and perhaps take a test drive) in one of their bespoke Land Rover Defenders.  

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Spectro Oil / OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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About Us

Spectro brand products are manufactured and marketed by Intercontinental Lubricants Corp. of Brookfield, Connecticut. ILC is one of the world’s foremost manufacturers and packagers of quality lubricants.

ILC was founded in 1966 by Robert H. Wehman, an engineer with decades of experience in the specialized field of two-cycle automotive lubricants. He capitalized on the knowledge gained by solving fuel/oil mixture problems for Saab of America at a time when Saab marketed 2-stroke automobiles in the USA.

Wehman translated this automobile industry knowledge into oil formulations for 2-stroke motorcycles that revolutionized the performance of this class of vehicles at the time, and from that moment forward the company has set the standard for specialty lubricants in high performance automotive, motorcycle, and other “powersports” vehicle applications.

Spectro entered the small but avid motorcycle market of the 1960s at a critical time — new makes and types of machines were coming into the market from both Europe and Asia, older manufacturers were starting to struggle with survival of their aged designs — but the immediate need for a top-performing, reliable 2-stroke racing oil was never so real. Spectro’s Golden 2 Cycle filled the bill and helped many a racer cross the finish line without problems, race after race.

Spectro simultaneously developed superior 4-stroke lubricants, focusing specially on its Golden Spectro 4, a blending of fine grade petroleum with true synthetic lubricants to ensure consistent performance over a wider operating range.

Spectro’s Golden products set new performance benchmarks for most machines and riders of that time, and probably more miles were racked up by Gold Wings running Spectro than any other brand name.

Today, Spectro products span the full range of fully-synthetic, semi-synthetic and petroleum lubricants for all classes of “powersports” engine and transmission applications.

The Spectro line also includes a wide range of suspension fluids, fork oils, brake fluids, coolant, chain lubes/waxes, filter cleaners and oils, and protection/appearance products.

In addition to the Spectro-branded line, ILC offers technical assistance, specialty blending and manufacturing services, and provides customized products for motorcycle and automobile engine, transmission, and drivetrain builders and racing teams.

Spectro products are sold exclusively through certified motorcycle and powersports retailers in the United States and in many international markets. Support of our retailers is the cornerstone of Spectro’s marketing and distribution system.

In many parts of the United States and other countries, retailers obtain their Spectro products through a network of Spectro Authorized Distributors. Contact information for these distributors can be found on our website.

Products

 

PROTIEDOWNS.COM / OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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Professional Products for the Automotive Enthusiast.

Because there are no two identical applications, ProTieDowns.com was founded to help automotive enthusiasts find precisely the right set up for their application.  Whether your transporting your race car, farm tractor, show car or recovering your overland rig we have the right options for you. We offer only the highest quality professional grade products built specifically for you.  Our expert customer service representative will help you choose the right set up for your application. Our goal is to help you create a safer work and play environment.  If you have any questions about our products or would like to discuss your specific needs please feel free to contact us at protiedowns@gmail.com  or call (860) 942 4379

Overland Experts / OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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Overland Experts – 4×4 Off Road Mobility Experts

  • Military, civilian & NGOs

  • Expedition Consulting

  • On-location filming logistics

  • Vehicle-based overland adventure travel

For over 35 years, OEX Founder Bruce Elfström has perfected the science of off road driving. His team now prepare the best of the best of our military, civilians, industrial utility & mining employees as well as aid workers and NGO employees to drive well, go further and as a result – get home safely.

In our 3-5 day training sessions at one of our sites in Connecticut, Virginia or North Carolina, you won’t find any power point presentations, but a thorough, linear and methodical curriculum delivered on purpose designed and natural terrains in our unmatched vehicle fleet. Just take a look at a few of our reviews.

Training and travel for recreational drivers: 4×4 driving, off roading and vehicle-dependent expeditions all start with a core of 1-3 day advanced driving skills. Ask about upcoming expeditions to:

Our Military and Tactical training is hands on combining our advanced curriculum with highly experienced trainers and our extensive fleet of vehicles, which together make OEX’s training and reputation simply untouchable. Check out more photographs on Flickr

For NGOs, Humanitarian Aid, Disaster/Relief Agencies, Utilities, Geological Survey Companies, or On-Location Filming, we can help with driver training, outfitting, unbiased vehicle acquisition consultation. Our World-Wide Mobility Team can come to you when training your staff in one of our locations is not possible. Wherever that training takes place, our extensive fleet means that your staff will be trained in the types of vehicles they are likely to find on location or in the field – it’s not all about fully fitted-out 4x4s.

Overland Experts also sponsors a range of environmental/humanitarian non-profits and research projects including Clean Water projects in Uganda and the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project.

Schedule of Events

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WEDNESDAY July 27, 2016

Activity:

Staff arrives, headquarters tents are setup, banners, flags and signage erected, assorted pre-event activities (vehicle placement, radio setup, media room setup, welcome bags, computer technology, registration, fire pits, etc.). All vehicles should be on site on this day. Vendor Village spots assigned and marked.

THURSDAY July 28, 2016

Activity:

10:00 – Gates open, registration begins, participants arrive. All staff will already be on site. Campers and vendors’ setup – this will take most of the day.

1:00 – 3:00 Driver Training and Technical Sessions (not presentations)
3:00 – 4:00 Tour of Lime Rock Park and Track Laps (Land Rover SVR and Jaguars)

5:00 – 6:00 Arkonik presentation in Orange Tent

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6:00 – 7:00 Complimentary BBQ in Green Tent
7:00 – close Vendor Village opens

8:00 – 9:00 Will Hedrick “Defender of Defenders” presentation Orange Tent

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9:00 – 13th Street Cocktails will open the bar, bonfires, cigars, etc.

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FRIDAY July 29, 2016

Activity:

6:00 – Expert off-road trip departure – Ma Bell, Northampton, MA
7:00 – Coffee with Staff
9:00 – Duct Tape Genius Contest.  Participants divide into teams
10:00 – Depart for Orvis Sandanona and other off-road destinations
2:00 – 3:00 All groups back at LRP to change into cocktail attire
3:00 – Depart for Hillrock Estate and The IRON Muddy Chef Challenge

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4:00 – Contestants setup for the IRON Muddy Chef, attendees tour distillery,
5:00 – 6:00 IRON Muddy Chef Challenge begins
6:00 – Judging and Prizes
7:00 – Depart for LRP (dinner is on you own)
9:00 – 13th Street Cocktails – open bar, cigars, bonfires

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SATURDAY July 30, 2016

Activity:

6:00 – Expert off-road trip departure – Old Florida Road, North Adams, MA
7:00 – Coffee with Staff
9:30- Depart for Crown Maple/Madava Estate for Off-Roading

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12:00 – Lunch on your own or can be bought at Crown Maple
3:00 – Return to Lime Rock Park
4:00 – 7:00 Muddy Chef Challenge begins
8:00 – Charity raffle ends 
8:01 – 13th Street Cocktails – open bar, cigars, bonfires

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July 31, 2016

Activity:

9:00 – “Recovery” – Coffee with Staff

10:00 – Muddy Chef Awards and Prizes and Raffle Winner Announcement

11:00 –  The famous parade lap around Lime Rock Park!

12:00 – Departures

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M. LaHart & Company / OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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About M. LaHart

M.LaHart & Co is offering an assortment of official Muddy Chef products – click here to view and purchase.

Since 1996, M.LaHart & Company has been committed to offering students, graduates, alumni and their families with the finest quality products to honor their proud university affiliations. The driving force of the company has been the belief that only gifts of the highest integrity can faithfully uphold the traditions of America’s finest institutions. This commitment, matched with white-glove service, has made M.LaHart & Company one of the fastest growing and most respected businesses in the collegiate market.

In Spring 2006 M.LaHart & Company established an exciting partnership with world-renowned brand TAG Heuer to create TAG Heuer University watches, custom-crafted for each institution and exclusively available at M.LaHart.

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M.LaHart & Company first became known for reviving the lost art of commemorative timepieces. Based on the success of the watches, the M.LaHart Collection now includes accessories for both men and women in gold, sterling silver and pewter, created specifically to accommodate a wide range of gift-giving occasions.

As the product line has expanded, so has the M.LaHart roster of schools, which now includes all of the Ivy League schools, the United States’ service academies and a selection of prominent universities from across the USA. M.LaHart & Company regularly adds new schools to its roster and would be pleased to notify you when the Collection is available for your institution of choice. (info@mlahart.com)

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At M.LaHart & Company we pride ourselves on personalized customer service. We offer custom engraving on all our products, and our representatives are more than happy to assist you with selecting exactly the right gift for your needs.

Michael LaHart

M.LaHart & Company relocated in 2007 from New York City’s Flatiron building to the picturesque countryside of historic Litchfield, Connecticut. M.LaHart & Company is now housed in the oldest commercial building in the entire state of Connecticut, Dr. Reuben Smith’s Apothecary dating back to 1740.

Company founder Michael LaHart graduated from Duke University and received his MBA from Insead, Europe’s premier business school. He began his career on Wall Street, then spent 8 years working in Europe. While there, he developed relationships with some of the finest jewelry designers and manufacturers in the world. These influences are reflected in the company’s high-end product offerings and devotion to exceptional customer service.

Click here to read the article written in The Litchfield County Times.

Crown Maple/Madava Estate / OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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About Madava Farms

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Madava Farms is the majestic home of Crown Maple® Syrup, quite possibly the purest syrup on earth. Located in Dutchess County, New York, Madava Farms is owned and sustainably managed by Robb and Lydia Turner and is named for the Turner’s daughters, Maddie and Ava.
  logo Madava Farms is perfectly situated in the historic Hudson River Valley where its 800 acres of century-old sugar and red maples enjoy perfect soil and ideal seasonal weather conditions to produce a superior sap for maple sugaring. Our maple syrup farm is also home to the most advanced maple syrup productionfacility in the country. Our ‘sugarhouse’ is the place where the pristine sap collected from our sustainably managed maple groves meets the latest in green, organic production techniques to produce a distinct, pure maple syrup with superior flavor and exceptional quality. LEARN HOW WE CRAFT CROWN MAPLE SYRUP

Robb’s Story:

I grew up spending summers exploring the woods and groves of my family’s farm in Illinois, so finding a place my wife and daughters could enjoy and call their own was important to me. We scoured the Hudson Valley and Catskills regions for just the right place. From my days at West Point, I was familiar with the Dutchess County area so we focused our search there.

When I first saw this property and it’s wide range of geography, incredible trout streams, forests and fields, and that phenomenal view at the top of the mountain, I knew we had found that place. We had found Madava Farm.

Read More

Field Guide / MUDDY CHEF MAGAZINE

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Every year we e-mail PDF files that include directions, event times, event locations, maps, etc.  We also include an event schedule in everyone’s welcome gift bag.   Somehow these seem to disappear or folks forget to print the directions, maps, etc.  This year we are creating a full color, high quality magazine.  The Field Guide will contain interviews, maps, the schedule of events, advertisements and coupons, and an assortment of great articles.

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Want to advertise in the Field Guide?

NOTE – THE ORDER FORM SAYS “GET TICKETS” THAT’S INCORRECT.  YOU ARE ACTUALLY BUYING SPACE IN THE FIELD GUIDE. 

Overland Journal / OFFICIAL SPONSOR

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