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 33rd Annual Chamber Winter In August Celebration sponsored by Rutland Herald. This is the second year the Chamber established a "Chef led panel" of experts to make the decision. It was a success. The panel was made up of Chef Ben Layden, 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 Killington Resort with the Chef’s Best Taste Runner Up Award going to the The American Legion Post 31. The Chef’s Best Display Award went to Killington Resort. The People’s Choice Award was presented to Killington Resort.
650 people including Congressman Peter Welch, Governor Peter Shumlin, 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. Next year's event will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 in Downtown Rutland.
Photos:
2014 Winter In August 037: Chef Scott Laviana of The American Legion Post 31 accepts the Chef’s Best Taste Award Runner Up Award at the 2014 Winter In August Celebration
2014 Winter In August 039: Chef Greg Lang accepts the Chef’s Best Taste Award at the 2014 Winter In August Celebration