Posts Tagged ‘contest’
Just Desserts- And Sweet Rewards
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Image: Mikael Damkier/Shutterstock
Local Virginia chef Paul Lombardy, executive chef at Le Grand Cru Catering, was honored in the Barry Callebaut Chocolate Promotion Program. Paul was chosen as a finalist for his “Port Wine Chocolate Mousse” and recognized for Creative, Original
Use of Chocolate. The competition, sponsored by US Foods and Callebaut Chocolate, was open to chefs nationwide.
One of four runner-ups, Paul was awarded a complimentary class at Callebaut’s state-of-the-art Chocolate Academy. Barry Callebaut is the world’s leading supplier of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products. Chefs were selected based on creativity, originality, innovative techniques, presentation and use of Callebaut Chocolate.
The grand prize went to Michael Washer, corporate pastry chef at Jewell Events Catering in Chicago, for his “White Chocolate Orange Dreamcicle,” a recipe contest sponsored by US Foods and Callebaut Chocolate. Almost 40 delicious recipes were submitted by US Foods customers and judged on the basis of creativity, originality, innovative techniques, presentation and use of Callebaut Belgium Chocolate.
Washer received $1,000 in cash and $500 in Callebaut Chocolate. Washer and four finalists (including Lombardy) will receive a complimentary class at Callebaut’s state-of-the-art Chocolate Academy in Chicago. Recipes from Washer and the finalists will be featured on the US Foods website at www.usfoods.com.
The finalists include
- Amber Nishimoto, chef at The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco for her “Chocolate and Passion Fruit”
- Bob Hartwig, chef and owner at Bakin’ and Eggs in Chicago for his “Chocolate, Caramel and Orange Entremet”
- Jill Schweder, corporate pastry chef at Vince Young Steakhouse in Austin, Texas, for her “Chocolate Peanut Butter Tower”
- Paul Lombardy, executive chef at Le Grand Cru Catering in Stafford, Va., for his “Port Wine Chocolate Mousse”
“Congratulations to each of these talented chefs on their exciting, imaginative and trend-setting desserts,” said Eric Cronert, vice president of brand marketing, US Foods. “Each sets a new standard for creating delicious recipes with Callebaut’s Finest Belgium Chocolate.”
About US Foods
With nearly $19 billion in annual revenue, US Foods is the 10th largest private company in America, and a leading foodservice distributor. Many of the entities that make up US Foods were founded in the 19th century, including one that sold provisions to travelers heading west during the 1850s gold rush. US Foods offers more than 350,000 national brand products and its own high-quality “exclusive brand” items, ranging from fresh meats and produce to prepared and frozen foods. The company proudly employs approximately 25,000 people in more than 60 locations nationwide, and provides the finest quality food and related products to more than 250,000 customers, including independent and multi-unit restaurants, healthcare and hospitality entities, government and educational institutions. The company is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., and jointly owned by funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Inc. and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Discover more at www.usfoods.com.
Congratulations to all chefs who participated!
– Jennie Whistler
Win a Whitewater Rafting Trip!
Posted by Rebekah Lowe / Monday, August 8th, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Dear Daredevils of NoVA,
We have a special contest just for you!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done? Skydiving? Street luging? Bull riding? We want to hear your story. Fill out the form by Monday, August 22 at 8 a.m. to be entered to win a whitewater rafting trip from River Expeditions in Lansing, West Virginia.
See more rules & details here.
And in case you are itching for some adventure this weekend, here are some adrenaline-pumping activities that would make for a great Saturday to remember!
PEV’S Paintball Park
703-327-7640
www.pevs.com
39835 New Road, Aldie, VA 20105
Did you know that paintballing is the only extreme sport that gives you a high adrenaline rush without a risk of serious injury? Plus, there’s no serious training required. Mike “Pev” Peverill opened his park to give paintball players of all skill levels a place to play. PEV’S offers a fun, thrilling, and exciting place to play paintball with those who love paintball, for beginners who want to try paintball for the first time, and for those experienced players who play every week. They’ve got walk-on play hours or you can call to make advance reservations.
GO Adventures Team Building
240-603-4150
www.go-adventuresports.com
The Challenge Course at Butler School, 15951 Germantown Road, Darnestown, MD 20874
Eriq Powers has been a team building facilitator and adventure guide since 1992. He founded GO Adventures Team Building in 2001. The adventure instruction programs are giving urban youth an opportunity to experience nature and adventure outside of the city – getting them out of their environment and into the woods. The top-roping anchors clinic is helping local climbers become safer climbers and their caving program has been highlighted in The Washington Post, Audubon News, Men’s Journal Magazine and Rolling Stone. GO Adventures strives to enhance group communication and increase levels of trust through team adventure challenges.
Virginia Skydiving
540-943-6587
www.skydiveorange.com
11339 Bloomsbury Road, Orange, VA 22960
This company is a member of the United States Parachute Association, and serves the Northern Virginia and Washington D.C. communities. Skydiving is a sport that excites and fascinates millions of Americans; even if they have never jumped themselves. You can opt to tandem skydive at speeds up to 120 miles per hour. It is a thrilling outdoor experience, and easy one-day first jumps are around 13,500 feet. This can be a habit forming sport where you learn all kinds of new skills, or a one-time adventure to cross of your bucket list, the choice is yours.
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
240-389-4386
16701 Norwood Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860
www.sandyspringadventurepark.org
Channel your inner-Tarzan among five wooded acres at The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, where opportunities to zip across the tree tops are plenty. Featuring an aerial forest ropes park that is the largest in the U.S., it’s open for spring, summer and fall, and is guaranteed fun for the whole family. 10 separate courses, varying in levels of difficulty, ultimately create over 150 unique challenges for your ziplining enjoyment. Have a blast, enjoy the beauty of nature, work up a sweat and challenge yourself at Sandy Springs’ park of voyage and exploration.
Trapeze School
410-459-6839
4th St. SE and Tingey St., Washington D.C., 20003
www.washingtondc.trapezeschool.com
Check out what it’s like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease at Washington D.C.’s very own Trapeze School New York, where their motto is “Forget fear. Worry about the addiction.” The world-class aerial school offers classes both indoors and outdoors, and 10-week intensive workshops are available for those who become, well, addicted to flying. At TSNY Washington D.C., master the art(s) of aerial silks, trampoline, lyra, balancing, acrobatics and juggling. If you have a penchant for Cirque Du Soleil shows, you’re going to fall head over heels here. Yep, you’ll have to tell your treadmill/elliptical/bike that you think it’s time for a change, exercise-wise, and it would be best for everyone involved (i.e. you) to move on to bigger and better things.
Earth Treks
1-800-CLIMB-UP (254-6287)
Great Falls, VA
www.earthtreksclimbing.com
Ever been hiking and thought, “Hmm, I think I’d like to scale the side of that mountain”? Then check out Earth Treks outdoor rocking climbing and let the rappelling begin. Since 1990, Earth Treks has been helping folks discover a passion for climbing and learning everything from the basics (how to belay) to moving on to more difficult rope systems. And P.S., an hour of rock climbing burns nearly 900 calories. Why hit up the smelly, stuffy gym when you could be getting a total-body workout plus learning exciting rock climbing skills in the great outdoors? We thought so (it’s a no brainer).
Have fun and be careful out there!
-The Culture Gurus
Free Earrings For Life At Silver Parrot Jewelry
Posted by alexandra / Wednesday, July 13th, 2011
Hello, shoppers! This month, Silver Parrot Jewelry Boutique is holding a scratch-off contest for its VIP (aka Very Important Parrot) customers.
The contest is from July 14 through July 30, and prizes will include discounts and “Parrot Cash,” which can be used exclusively at the jewelry store. Oh, and one lucky winner will also receive free jewelry for life!
silverparrot.com
One customer will be picked to receive a pair of sterling silver earrings once a year, every year. For the rest of their life. And for those of you who love the Old Town Alexandria store’s charming, hand-made pieces, this is a deal you won’t want to miss.
Simply bring your scratch off card with you to the store to reveal the fabulous prize you’ve won!
Happy Shopping!
–Alexandra Scarfone
Posted by ryan / Thursday, April 28th, 2011
Goody’s of Clarendon specializes in jumbo slices of pizza, which are inexplicably good after midnight on weekends. In order to celebrate its fifth year of existence, they are hosting an anniversary party on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m.
All should feel free to stop by before 5 p.m. to sample new items, receive a complimentary piece of cake, and check out the renovations. The walls have just been repainted, and the menu board is brand new. Tents will be set up in the parking lot to accommodate everyone.
Arrive early and stick around to witness the inaugural challenge, which is to eat an entire pizza pie in less than a half hour. Toppings are expected to be limited to cheese and pepperoni.
Some may think a slice or two just isn’t enough. Well, here’s your chance to satisfy your hunger and then some! If you think you’re capable of this, be sure to RSVP on Facebook or call (703)- 351-7827 for more information.
-Ryan Robertson
(image: Clarendon Nights)
Del Ray Vid Vies for Cash Prize
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010
(Video: Meredith Bragg)
It’s coming down to the wire in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s “I Am Free Enterprise” video contest.
And while nothing is certain till the polls close tonight at 11:59 p.m., Del Ray resident Meredith Bragg remains squarely in the middle of the pack–which means he’s still got a decent shot at pocketing between $20,000 (third place) and $50,000 (first place).
Regardless of whether he walks away with a top prize or not, Bragg deserves–sorry, I had to–bragging rights for cracking the top 5 via an outsider’s perspective. While all the other finalists chose to flog themselves/their livelihoods, Bragg composed, instead, a video valentine to some of his favorite gourmet purveyors–Caboose Cafe, Cheestique and Let’s Meat on the Avenue.
“I love the shops in Del Ray and Old Town and wanted to show how small entrepreneurs make my life and community a little better,” Bragg said of his non-traditional tact, noting, “A true free market it is a symbiotic relationship and helps consumers just as much as it helps businesses.”
Should his shopping montage net him a financial windfall, Bragg plans to celebrate–in true trickle-down fashion.
“I’ll need to throw a party for all the Facebook friends who helped vote for me every day over the past few weeks,” he said. “I’ll likely serve sandwiches.”
–Warren
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Thursday, April 15th, 2010
Charm City dough boy Duff “Ace of Cakes” Goldman will be strutting his stuff, both figuratively and physically, at the May 1 Virginia Gold Cup–spent several afternoons there during my college years; never once saw a horse–where he’ll unveil his homage to the 85th race and judge a birthday-centric cake walk.
The first 30 contestants who register for the confectionary throwdown ($50 to enter; grand prize is $100 in VA lottery tickets–and bragging rights, ‘natch) will get a chance to parade their homemade sweets in front of Goldman et al. from 1-3 p.m. on race day.
Fire up those flute pans!
–Warren
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010
Thrillist is offering $4,350 in cash to whoever can correctly crown the “best sports bar in America”–i.e., the best place for everyday fans to pull up and stool, suck down a few brews and spend some quality time loosing profanity-laced tirades at telegenic jocks flittering across mondo plasma screens–via their ongoing Bar Madness contest (2/24-3/24).
Thrillist prognosticators narrowed the playing field to 12 major cities (Washington D.C., included) and got first crack at laying down their sports bar markers : Hard Times – Clarendon and Maddy’s and were their auto-selections.
Participants can also pitch write-in candidates during the first (Crystal City Sports Pub and Grand Slam are the latest recruits) and third round (3/8-3/10).
Check out the full schedule and per-round prize breakdown here.
Having recently toured some diehard sports hubs, I’m very interested to see how our area fares against more renowned sports capitals (New York, Chicago, Los Angeles).
Meanwhile, what local watering holes would you put up against the rest of the country?
–Warren
Giving Up the Goods: The Entertaining Encylopedia
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Friday, November 6th, 2009
With the latest 50 Best Restaurants roundup finally behind me (have no illusions; these awards issues will be the death of me), I’ve finally had a chance to sort through the mushrooming stack of culinary tomes that were threatening to overtake my office.
Turns out, I’ve neglected some real page-turners.
But no more.
For the next few weeks we’ll be spreading the literary wealth by offering up free copies of various food titles, beginning with Denise Vivaldo’s party planning primer, The Entertaining Encyclopedia:
(Image: Robert Rose)
This indispensable hospitality guide aims to assuage any event planning jitters by serving up a buffet of comprehensive theme menus–25 in all, ranging from casual gatherings like “garden brunch” and “girls night in” to stun-the-neighbor soirees like “Turkish twilight” or “African Ivory Coast”–classic cocktail recipes and even a cheat sheet for on-the-fly coffee service (easy-to-read chart plots everything you’ll need to produce piping-hot java for from six to 75 guests).
Vivaldo also tackles the ins and outs of pantry stocking (a cooking equivalency grid projects the final yield for all your fresh produce), proper place setting procedures and savvy clean-up tips.
Oh yeah, and she weaves in around 200 recipes ready for deployment at just about any hour of the day.
A must-have for budding hostesses, we’re fairly certain even veteran socialites will find a few new tricks worth swiping from Vivaldo’s 400+ page manifesto on merrymaking.
All you have to do to get your hands on it is leave a comment below sharing where you go to keep your kitchen in optimum working order (i.e., where you do shop for kitchenware, glassware, barware, cutlery, appliances, specialty cooking tools, etc.).
We’ll select one winner at random from all the comments submitted before 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov 12.
And please don’t get discouraged if this cooking resource happens to slip through your fingers. Because we’ll be rolling out another giveaway next Friday.
–Warren
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, June 1st, 2009
The epicurean giveaways continue here at NoVA.
This time, we’re offering up a copy of Anne Mendelson’s scholarly “Milk: The Surprising Story of Milk Through the Ages.”
(Image: Knopf)
All you have to do is share where you pick up your must-have dairy products–be they artisan cheeses, farm-fresh milk or probiotic yogurts–in the comments section below.
We’ll randomly choose a winner from all the posted comments Friday, June 5 at noon.
–Warren
Calling All Street Festival Prognosticators
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Tuesday, May 12th, 2009
(Image: Taste of Arlington)
The 22nd Annual Taste of Arlington takes over the Ballston Mall corridor this Sunday afternoon (noon – 5 p.m.; rain or shine) and we just happen to have some free tasting tickets ($20 in advance; $25 at the door) burning a hole in our pocket.
Wanna go?
Just predict which participating restaurant–over 40 local eateries plan to showcase their epicurean wares, including award-winners: Busboys and Poets, Carlyle, Hard Times Cafe, Jaleo, Lebanese Taverna, The Liberty Tavern, Me Jana, Willow and Yaku–will take the 2009 top tasting honors (congrats to reigning champ Sangam for it’s back-to-back-to-back victories!) and why in the comments section by noon this Thursday.
We’ll randomly pick 5 posters (4 tasting tickets each; 8 tastes per ticket) from the comment scrum and will either drop the tickets in the mail on Thursday or have them available for pick-up here at our offices (winner’s choice).
So, channel your inner Carnac and take a shot at enjoying free food in the fresh air.
–Warren
