The 2nd Annual Holiday Cuisine Showcase was held with rave reviews on Thursday, November 29 at Genesys Conference & Banquet Center in Grand Blanc. This restaurant and food service competition is open to FACVB members who wish to showcase one or more signature dishes in the Appetizer, Entree, and Dessert categories.
Awards are given based on Best Presentation, Best Taste, and a new award this year, the People's Choice Award based on the votes of FACVB Holiday Party guests. Also new this year was a wine tasting, with the signature dishes matched up with a complimentary wine.
The Cuisine Showcase is held in conjunction with the FACVB's Annual Holiday Party. Guests include FACVB members and board members, Genesee County Commissioners, city officials, vendors, prospects, and more.
The Best Presentation and Best Taste Awards were decided by 9 judges: Brenda Brissett-Mata, columnist for the Flint Journal and author of Head Over Heels, Al Blinke, President/CEO of WNEM TV5, Matt Kreiner, VP and GM NBC25, Sally Jaegar of the Genesee County Historical Society, Renee Gatica, FACVB Board Member and GM of Flint's Red Roof Inn, Rebecca Pilara, Sales Manager for YOUR Magazine, Deb Kiertzner, Race Director for the CRIM Festival of Races, Suzanne Perreault, Director of the Holly DDA, and Pat O'Boyle, Promotions and Marketing Manager for NCG Cinemas and IMAX.
Sponsors of this year's event include some of Genesee County's best restaurants: Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ, The Big Eazy Grill & Oyster Bar, Brickstreet Bar & Grill, Dale's Cheesecake Shoppe, Genesys Conference & Banquet Center, J. Porters Steakhouse, Kickers Sports Bar, Redwood Lodge, Salvatore Scallopini, and Woodfield. Thank you so much for your support and sponsorship. It was a night to remember!
The entries for Appetizer were:
- Cajun Lobster Saute: The Big Eazy Grill & Oyster Bar located at G-5311 Corunna Road, Flint Township.
- Smoked Salmon Martini: Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ located at 2461 North Road in Fenton.
- Rangoon Shrimp with Artichoke: Genesys Conference & Banquet Center located at 805 Health Park Blvd in Grand Blanc.
- Ahi Tuna over a Thai Asian Slaw: J. Porters Steakhouse located at 5353 Gateway Centre in Flint.
- Honey Glazed Scallops: Redwood Lodge located at 5304 Gateway Centre in Flint.
The entries for Entree were:
- St. Louis Ribs with Chipolte BBQ Sauce: Beale St. Smokehouse BBQ located at 2461 North Road in Fenton.
- Herb Encrusted Tenderloin of Beef Topped with a Blue Maryland Crabcake with Twin Sauces: Brickstreet Bar & Grill located at 1223 Grand Blanc Road in Grand Blanc.
- BBQ Ribs: Kickers Sports Bar located at G-5577 S. Saginaw in Flint.
- Chicken Cacciatore: Salvatore Scallopini located at G-3227 Miller Road in Flint.
- Chicken Roulade with Mango Sauce: Woodfield located at 10200 Woodfield Drive in Grand Blanc.
The Entrees for Dessert were:
- Individual Cheesecakes: Dale's Cheesecake Shoppe located at 8572 Silver Lake Road in Argentine.
- 3 Tier Peppermint Brownie Napolean: J. Porters Steakhouse located at 5353 Gateway Centre in Flint.
The Big Eazy Grill & Oyster Bar, represented by Chef Luis Fernandes, tied with Genesys Conference & Banquet Center, represented by Chef Greg Bailey, for Best Presentation of an Appetizer. The Big Eazy Grill & Oyster Bar won Best Tasting Appetizer, and also took the People's Choice Award for Best Appetizer with the Cajun Lobster Saute.
Brickstreet Bar & Grill, represented by Chef Denny Dowdall, won for Best Presentation of an Entree and Best Tasting Entree. Brickstreet also took home the People's Choice Award for Best Entree with the Herb Encrusted Tenderloin of Beef Topped with a Blue Maryland Crabcake with Twin Sauces.
J. Porters Steakhouse, represented by Chef Tobin Looman, won for Best Presentation of a Dessert, with the 3 Tier Peppermint Brownie Napolean.
Dale's Cheesecake Shoppe, represented by owner Dale Sawer, won Best Tasting Dessert and also took the People's Choice Award for Best Dessert for the Individual Cheesecakes.
If you're interested in participating in this wonderful event in 2008, please contact Cheryl at 232-8181 or Holly at 232-8901 at the Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. |
