'Lamb Jam' Coming to a Town Near You

The Denver-based American Lamb Board aims to bring its "pasture to plate" story to life with its first Shepherd to Chef campaign and a national Lamb Jam tour.

Highlighting local lamb producers and renowned chefs in Boston, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, the American Lamb Board is featuring flavorful American lamb recipes, videos, and dedicated profiles about each "lambassador" on www.AmericanLamb.com.

Additionally, shepherds and chefs will host Lamb Jam tasting events in their local markets, where lamb lovers can enjoy some of the country's chefs preparing fresh American lamb dishes.

Featured shepherds and chefs are:

-- Boston:

Chef Michael Scelfo, Russell House Tavern

Shepherd Lisa Dachinger, River Valley Farm

-- Washington, D.C.:

Chef Nick Stefanelli, Bibiana

Shepherd Craig Rogers, Border Springs Farms

-- San Francisco:

Chef Matt Accarrino, SPQR

Shepherd Don Watson, Napa Valley Lamb

-- Seattle:

Chef Liam Spence, LOLA

Shepherd Reed Anderson, Anderson Ranches

Consumers will have the opportunity to sample lamb dishes at five Lamb Jam tasting events held in Boston, Washington, San Francisco, and Seattle, as well as the first national competition among the best in the country in New York City. In each market, Lamb Jam will feature 20 chefs who compete head-to-head for top honors as they create succulent dishes using local lamb and match their dishes with local wine and beer. In New York City, the winners from each market will cook for the title of Lamb Jam Master.

2011 tour dates are:

-- Boston: Feb. 20, www.fansoflambboston.com

-- Washington: May 22, www.fansoflambdc.com

-- San Francisco: July 17, www.fansoflambsanfrancisco.com

-- Seattle: Oct. 23, www.fansoflambseattle.com

-- New York City: Sept. 25, www.americanlamb.com