Chamber Recognizes Winners at Winter In August

The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce announced the Chef’s Best Taste Awards, Chef’s Best Presentation Award and People’s Choice Award at the 32nd Annual Chamber Winter In August Celebration sponsored by Rutland Herald. This is the first year the Chamber established a "Chef led panel" of experts to make the decision. It was a success. The panel was led by former NYC Chef - Chef Paul Lasky. In addition we had Chef Rick Iffland from Middlebury College and Mike Clifford (with extensive local restaurant experience). The 9 criteria included everything from complimenting flavors to appeal to the eye. Restaurants were rated on a weighted point system and scored accordingly. Attendees voted by ballot throughout the evening for the People’s Choice Award,
The Chef’s Best Taste Award was presented to Okemo Mountain Resort with the Chef’s Best Taste Runner Up Award going to the Bryant House at The Vermont Country Store. The Chef’s Best Presentation Award went to Killington Resort. The People’s Choice Award was presented to The Foundry at Summit Pond.
Nearly 600 people including Senator Patrick Leahy, Congressman Peter Welch, Mayor Chris Louras and many other officials, along with Killington Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort attended. According to Tom Donahue, EVP/CEO at the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce: "Winter In August is one of the most anticipated Rutland Region Chamber events of the summer and has become a true taste of Vermont". The event held annually recognizes the positive economic impact that the ski industry has on the Rutland region and Vermont. Thirty six area restaurants and businesses provided delicious food for attendees to enjoy while the businesses marketed their establishments.
Photos attached are Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce Photos by Vyto Starinskas
Best Presentation1 ‘ Pictured L to R: Chef Rick Iffland, Judge; Chef Paul Lasky, Judge; Marleen Cenate, President, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce; Rob Megnin, Director of Sales, Marketing, Reservations & Snow Sports, Killington Resort; Congressman Peter Welch and Rutland City Mayor Chris Louras
Best Taste Runner Up1 ‘ Pictured L to R: Chef Rick Iffland, Judge; Marleen Cenate, President, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce; Chef Paul Lasky, Judge; Bill Ackerman, Vice President of Retail, The Vermont Country Store; Congressman Peter Welch, Bob Miller, Rutland Herald and Rutland City Mayor Chris Louras
Best Taste1 ‘ Pictured: Mike Clifford, Judge; Chef Rick Iffland, Judge; Marleen Cenate, President, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce; Chef Paul Lasky; Executive Chef Scot Emerson, Okemo Mountain Resort; Bob Miller, Rutland Herald; Congressman Peter Welch; Rutland City Mayor Chris Louras
Peoples Choice1 ‘ Pictured: Mike Clifford, Judge; Chef Rick Iffland, Judge; Marleen Cenate, President, Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce; Chef Paul Lasky; Chef Chris Franco, The Foundry at Summit Pond; Bob Miller, Rutland Herald; Congressman Peter Welch; Rutland City Mayor Chris Louras