For Immediate Release

 

 

Top North Carolina Chefs Announced for Third Annual Epicurious Vino Challenge

 

June 10, 2011 (Raleigh, NC) - Professional chefs from North Carolina competed in the Third Annual 2011 Epicurious Vino Challenge, making their best signature dishes to benefit disabled children and adults from Charlotte to the coast.  Chefs, sponsors, and the sell-out crowd raised funds for RHA Howell, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and their families make choices to live more independently for nearly 40 years.     

 

The competition was held at Hinnant Family Vineyards, the largest muscadine vineyard in North Carolina.  The winners are:

 

Chefs' Choice Winners (a blind judging by professional chefs)

1st Place:  Chef Tom Armstrong of Vinnie's Steakhouse & Tavern in Raleigh

2nd Place:  Chef Mark Lawson of East Oceanfront Dining at the Blockade Runner, Wrightsville Beach

3rd Place:  Chef Kimberly Hall of the Flying Fork restaurant at Seymour Johnson AFB

Honorable Mention:  Chef Mario Huante of Chef Mario's Inc. in Raleigh

 

Peoples' Choice Winners (selected by votes from attendees)

1st Place:  Chef Tom Armstrong of Vinnie's Steakhouse & Tavern in Raleigh

2nd Place:  Chef Mario Huante of Chef Mario's Inc. in Raleigh

3rd Place:  Chef Maggie Radzwiller of Comfort Cuisine in Durham

Honorable Mention:  Chef Pat Walston of House Autry Mills in Four Oaks

 

For the 2011 Epicurious Vino Challenge, professional chefs were invited to make their best signature dish, or dishes, using a selected key ingredient.  After tasting every dish prepared, the guests selected a "People's Choice" award winner. Professional chefs from US Foodservice, Inc. selected the "Chef's Choice" winner.

 

About RHA Howell, Inc:  A statewide, nonprofit organization that serves children and adults with disabilities.  Visit:  www.rhahowell.org

 

Top Chef's:

www.vinniessteakhouse.com 

www.blockade-runner.com  (East Oceanfront Dining)

www.chefmario.com

www.comfortcuisine.us

www.house-autry.com

www.seymourjohnson.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123243998

 

Epicurious Vino Challenge Facebook page: 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Epicurious-Vino-Challenge-2011-June-4-6-10-pm/176752412374106

 

Epicurious Vino Challenge Host Site:

www.hinnantvineyards.com 

 

For Information contact:  Debbie Valentine, RHA Howell, 919-941-0530

dvalentine@rhanet.org