Proof's Chef Will Cook In D.C.

The chef from Louisville’s Proof on Main restaurant will go to Washington D.C. next month to cook for an inaugural ball.Chef Michael Paley will prepare the menu for the Kentucky Society’s Bluegrass Ball. He says he’s planning to use locally-produced ingredients, including Kentucky bison, country ham and locally-grown vegetables."One of the reasons I was picked, I’m sure, is that we focus on using local products here and sample products and Kentucky products," says Paley. "I tried, even though it’s winter and it’s not easy, to get vegetables and stuff from here."Paley says he’s used to working with those ingredients, but not in the quantities required for the ball.“I’m pretty excited. I’ve never done a party that large so I’m excited to be working with the hotel that’s used to doing events like that," he says. "It should be pretty interesting – something I haven’t seen or done.”The Bluegrass Ball is on January 19th, the day before the inauguration. Paley says President-Elect Obama has been invited, but there’s no guarantee he will make an appearance.