Deb Hall wrote:So, how did the Evan Williams Cooking Contest go???????
I have some experience cooking with it- I worked for them as a business consultant for 4 years- and every year I swear I'm going to enter. But every year I forget until it's too late...
So for those who have done the cooking contests, I'd love to hear your insights/mistakes/etc...
Deb
Greetings to all! Below are the results of the 22nd Annual Evan Williams Cooking Contest. If you wish to receive more information, send me a message through the forum.
RAQUELLE ZENCKA WINS TOP PRIZE FOR BOURBON CUISINE
AT 22ND ANNUAL EVAN WILLIAMS BOURBON COOKING CONTEST
LOUISVILLE, (Ky.) – The 22nd annual Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest kicked off the culinary competitions at the Kentucky State Fair today, showcasing many of the most creative Bourbon dishes in the Commonwealth. Heaven Hill Distilleries, producers of Evan Williams Bourbon, awarded the coveted Blue Ribbon top prize to Raquelle Zencka of Louisville for her Maple-Chipotle Bourbon Glazed Wings.
A distinguished panel of local judges selected the entrée from over 47 entries this year. Red (second place) and White (third place) ribbons were awarded to Lisa Gunther Clark of Lawrenceburg for Evan’s Tenderloin and Eleanor Mason of Prospect for Ellie’s Frisco Chicken, respectively.
Judges for the contest included John Plymale, owner, Porcini; Susan Seiller, owner, Jack Fry’s Restaurant; Jason Brauner, co-owner, Bourbon’s Bistro; John Belski, meteorologist, WAVE 3; Barry Bernson, Fox 41 TV News “Fox In the Morning” anchor; and Heaven Hill Master Distiller Craig Beam. The event is presented annually by Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
In the two-plus decades that the Evan Williams’ Bourbon Cooking Contest has been held, cooking with Bourbon has evolved from the home kitchen, to a regional specialty, to an important trend among “celebrity” chefs. During the judging, contestants and spectators were treated to a “cooking with Bourbon” demonstration by Chef Michael Crouch, Chef for Bourbon’s Bistro. Chef Crouch performed the demonstration using Evan Williams Bourbon, American’s second-largest selling Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Also on hand to assist Chef Crouch and keep the crowd on its toes as emcee was popular morning show host Kelly K., from the “Peter B. and Kelly K. Show,” heard on 99.7 WDJX Radio.
Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc., the Bardstown, Ky.-based maker of distilled spirits, produces Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey - named for the Commonwealth's first distiller.
“It has been very gratifying to see the theme of our contest – cooking with Bourbon – grow into a national trend. Bourbon has always been used regionally. Our local sauces and stews have always benefited from it, but now it has become an important ingredient for top national chefs, and we even have restaurants that make it their main theme. The Evan Williams Bourbon Cooking Contest still affords local amateur culinary enthusiasts the opportunity to showcase their creativity with Bourbon each year,” said Max Shapira, president of Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.
The recipes were rated on originality, ease of preparation, appearance, name and the contribution of Evan Williams Bourbon to the taste and aroma of the dish. In addition to receiving a coveted Kentucky State Fair prize ribbon and a cash prize, each of the winning entries will be considered for publication in the next "Cooking with Bourbon" recipe booklet, published periodically by Heaven Hill Distilleries.
Founded in 1934, Heaven Hill Distilleries, Inc. (
http://www.heaven-hill.com) is the nation’s largest independent, family-owned marketer and producer of distilled spirits products. Aging in its facilities is the second largest holding of Kentucky whiskey in the world. Heaven Hill's diversified portfolio includes: The Christian Brothers Brandies; Evan Williams Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; HPNOTIQ Liqueur; Whaler's Rum; Burnett's Gin and Vodkas; Dubonnet Aperitif; PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur; Água Luca Brazilian Rum Cachaça, Scotch Whiskies; Canadian Whiskies; vodka; gins; rums; tequilas; cognacs; liqueurs; cordials; and dessert wines. Heaven Hill is based in Bardstown, KY
