Chef Peter Named Top Chef

With the December issue of Food Service News fresh of the press, we were so excited to see our very own Chef Peter Christenson included in their annual Top Chefs book. Included with the December issue each year, the Top Chef selections are awarded to chefs in the Twin Cities, not just at the hottest restaurants, but those that live out the embodiment of chef as their daily mission.

In the accompanying article, they define chef as, "A team leader, organizer, manager, inventory hard-liner and, sometimes, a business owner. All that on top of being a menu developer and the overall creative force in the kitchen."

Sounds like a pretty tough act in contrast with the glamorized world of a chef's life on popular television shows. Food Service News continues, "It’s not about the loudest voices or the most personable. It’s about who is doing their job—with all its pieces—at the highest level."

With that being said, we're just so proud of Chef Peter and this award. Along with our devoted guests, we knew that Chef Peter was a heavy hitter in the kitchen and a great member of the team, but now, thanks to Food Service News  we can let the world in on it! This was precisely Food Service News' intention with the awards this year. They specifically sought out chefs who, "Have simply kept their heads down and enjoyed the toil, their kitchens pumping out great food with few—or no—accolades. Yet they endure, and their business and reputation among “those in the know” has grown."

To read the Top Chef's article and see the full list of Chef Peter's distinguished comrades, CLICK HERE.

To see a Top Chef in action and congratulate Chef Peter in person, join us this Saturday, December 15, for a FREE Cooking Class. The man himself will be demonstrating preparation techniques for several go-to holiday appetizer and entree options. He's even thinking about demonstrating some seafood preparation techniques as well!

Reservations recommended but not required by calling Woolley's at 952.854.1010.


Congratulations to Chef Peter, our very own Top Chef! We can't think of a more deserving recipient. 

Woolley's at Bouquets Wine & Food Tasting

Today being Giving Tuesday and all, we wanted to let you know about a great event that we are honored to be a part of. 

This Thursday, November 29, Woolley's is thrilled to be helping with Bouquets, Como Friends' wine and food tasting. A fundraiser for Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, Bouquets will be held in the breathtaking Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and Como Visitor Center.

From 7-9pm, guests will be invited to try more than 80 specially-selected wines as they meander through the lush, tropical conservatory. Plus, this year, Bouquets will be offering craft beer as well! This is all in addition to the fabulous fare from great local restaurants, live music, a preview of the Holiday Flower Show, and much, much more!

Woolley's will be on-site for the event, donating our time and a delicious food offering for guests, and we think it would be just swell if you joined us!

Tickets are still available and are just $55 per person ($45 per person for Como Friends). Please note, you must be 21+ to attend. Purchase your tickets by CLICKING HERE, or by calling 651-487-8229. 

We hope to see you there!

Woolley's LOVED Taste! Mpls. St. Paul's Ultimate Wine & Dine

Well, we may be a little biased, but we have to say Mpls. St. Paul Magazine's Taste! event was pretty awesome! This annual food and wine event featured 40 chefs, 300 wines, and 100 specialty beers this past Friday and Saturday. 

We sent our very own Chef Peter along with our culinary team to the Friday evening session. Armed with a killer offering of Zinfandel Braised Short Ribs with Carrot Ginger Puree, the Woolley's crew was well-prepared to wow the crowd. 

Chef Peter even got interviewed by Mpls. St. Paul Magazine, so make sure you check their site and next issue for any follow-up on the event. 

While we're certainly curious to see what the 'experts' thought of our Braised Short Ribs, we know they sure were a hit with event guests! We were busy all evening, as guests coming back for more.

We can certainly understand the attraction and hope to see all of their friendly faces in the restaurant for dinner soon.

If you missed the event, don't fret! While we don't have that exact dish on the menu, you have the opportunity to try the fantastic Short Ribs entree we do have on our menu at Lunch or Dinner. Our Short Ribs are served with Potato Gnocchi, Foie Gras, Wild Mushroom, Braising Jus, and Fig Balsamic Jam.

Did you make it to the Taste! event this weekend? If so, what was your favorite part? Did you get a chance to try our Short Ribs on Friday? We'd love to hear what you thought!

June 9 - Chef Peter's Cooking Class

Just in time for summer, Chef Peter will be hosting another FREE cooking class. Join us at 3pm this Saturday, June 9, for an informal demonstration to get you ready for cooking this summer!

After a trip to the Farmer's Market for inspiration and ingredients just prior to the class, Chef will show guests how to make the most of local finds for the season, as he prepares a meal that you can replicate at your next summer gathering.

Reservations not required, but recommended to 952.854.1010.

Hope to see you there!

Oink Outings Resuming

This past August, our very own Chef Peter Christenson was named the chef for the Minnesota Pork Board's last Oink Outings tour of the 2011 season.

Oink Outings tours are a wonderfully educational experience during which food producers are paired with food preparers and joined by moms to allow open communication along the food chain (so to speak). 

After a winter hiatus, Oink Outings are resuming on Tuesday, May 15 for the 2012 season. We're so happy to be part of such a great program again this year. Kicking things off, attendees will head to Goodhue, MN to the Schafer Family Farm.

Along with touring the farm, where the farm family showcases modern life as a pig farmer, the group will also  again visit Chef Peter and Woolley's for a cooking demonstration. Last year Chef Peter highlighted several pork recipes, including Blue Cheese & Prosciutto Wrapped Peaches, Bacon Wrapped Scallions, and Pork Diablo Bites!

We can't wait to welcome everyone back this year! 

Winter Favorites Cooking Class

Chef Peter's famous cooking classes will be making a reappearance on Wednesday, January 25. Focusing on a theme of Winter Favorites, Chef Peter will walk you through the preparation required to create a feast worthy of chasing those winter blues away!

The class will kick-off at 6:30pm and reservations are required to secure your spot. To make your reservation for this fun, FREE event, please contact Woolley's at 952.854.1010. (Don't be fooled by the picture, we will not be holding this session outside). There will also be plenty of opportunity to sample the preparations as well!

We hope you'll join us for an educational, tasty evening spent learning about Chef's Winter Favorites.

The Great MN Get Together

This Thursday marks the beginning of the annual end of summer rite known as the Minnesota State Fair! An iconic tradition of food and fun since its inception 152 years ago, the Fair runs through Labor Day, so you have plenty of time to get your grub on.

Even Woolley's is getting in on the action, since Chef Peter will be at the Fair conducting some great cooking demos. Make sure you plan your visit accordingly, and you can see him in the flesh! All demos will be conducted in the Dairy Building. (All the easier to help yourself to a delicious milkshake while you enjoy the show!)

Chef Peter's Cooking Demos - Held in the Dairy Building

Thursday, August 25 - 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30pm

Wednesday, August 31 - 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30pm

Thursday, September 1 - 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30pm

We'll see you at the Fair!