Lamb Jam set sail in Seattle this week – literally. The American Lamb Board turned a summer evening on Lake Union into a full-on floating food fest, taking over the Hiyu, a charming restored ferry turned floating venue, and brought together lamb lovers for an evening of food, drinks, and waterfront views.

Seven local chefs each created and shared a dish featuring American lamb, sourced from family-owned farms and ranches. Lucky guests onboard (us included) sampled their way through the culinary creations and voted for their favorite – with the winner taking home the coveted People’s Choice Award.

With the skyline gleaming in the distance and drinks in hand – Weber Ranch Vodka spritzes, a crisp chardonnay from Iron Horse, and beer from Georgetown Brewery on tap – we set off for an evening of lamb tasting, lake cruising, and Seattle summer vibes.

Throughout the evening, guests cast their “BAA-lots” for the coveted People’s Choice Award. From savory to spicy, smoky to herbaceous, the lamb offerings were impressive – and choosing a favorite was no easy task.

Some of my personal favorites came from Sabine, Artusi, and Revel. Sabine’s Chef Jacob Dunkelberger served a beautiful and flavorful Smoked Lamb Shish Barak that hit with depth and spice. Bonus points for composition and a garnish of cheery orange edible fleurs that made the dish read fine dining – hard to achieve when “plating” in paper boats. 

Artusi’s Chef Stuart Lane offered a refined and decadent “Lambsagna,” cheesy and comforting in all the right ways. And Revel, led by Chef Carter King (supported by Chef Rachel Yang), brought the heat with one of the most talked-about dishes of the night – Crispy Lamb Bulgogi Dumplings dressed in cumin chili oil.

That said, every dish was delicious in its own right, and honestly, they were all winners. Eden Hill’s Maximillian Petty came out swinging with a sticky, sweet-savory 24-Hour Lamb Spare Rib – a bite where the lamb fell right off the bone. Mamnoon’s Chef Sheena Eliz delivered a smoky, nutty Lamb and Pistachio Kefta that added an earthy note to the night. The Garrison’s Joshua Delgado showcased a Spruce-Cured Lamb Belly – a rich and fatty bite with a hint of the forest. And Willmott’s Ghost’s Colin Penttinan gifted us a crispy, herb-packed Lamb Leg Milanese, giving this Italian preparation a lamb-forward twist.

As the sun set behind the Space Needle and the Hiyu pulled back into port, the final ballots were tallied. The results? Too close to call – almost.

Sabine took home a well-earned third place, while Eden Hill snagged second—just a single vote away from winning the night. That honor went to Revel, whose surprisingly bold dumplings won over the crowd and earned them the People’s Choice award.

That victory isn’t just bragging rights. Revel’s Chef Carter King will now join other regional Lamb Jam champions from cities like Austin, Boston, and D.C. for an exclusive culinary retreat hosted by the American Lamb Board.