RUTLAND — 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 held Tuesday, Aug. 12.
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 nine criteria included everything from complementing flavors to appealing 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.
A gathering of 650 people including Congressman Peter Welch, Governor Peter Shumlin, Mayor Chris Louras 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. In total, 36 area restaurants and businesses provided delicious food for attendees to enjoy while the businesses promoted their establishments. Next year’s event will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2015 in Downtown Rutland.
