By Jason Mikula
Photo One: The Farmers Food Center inRutland was packed Tuesday evening for the annual Winter in August Celebration.
Photo Two: Hop’n Moose owner Dale Patterson serves pizza, Tuesday.
Awards for taste, presentation and people choice announced
RUTLAND — The 34th Annual Chamber Winter In August Celebration was held this past Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the Vermont Farmers Food Center (home to the indoor Winter Farmers Market). The event was moved indoors due to the forecast of severe thunderstorms.
Over 700 people including Senator Patrick Leahy, Congressman Peter Welch, Vermont Commissioner of Tourism Megan Smith, Mayor Chris Louras and many other officials, along with Killington Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort attended this year’s Winter In August event.
“Winter In August is one of the most anticipated Rutland Region Chamber events of the summer and has become a true taste of Vermont,” said Tom Donahue, CEO at the Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce. “We appreciate the boost our resorts provide our economy.”
The event is held annually and recognizes the positive economic impact that the ski industry has on the Rutland region and Vermont. This year 31 area restaurants and businesses provided delicious food for attendees to enjoy while the businesses marketed their establishments.
The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce presents three awards each year to the vendors: Chef’s Best Taste Awards, Chef’s Best Presentation Award and People’s Choice Award.
This is the third year the Chamber established a “Chef led panel” of experts to determine the winners. The panel was made up of Chef Bill Noel, Chef Ben Layden, and Mike Clifford. Criteria included everything from complimenting flavors to appealing presentations. Restaurants were rated on a weighted point system and scored accordingly. Attendees voted by ballot throughout the evening for the People’s Choice Award.
Awards
The Chef’s Best Taste Award was presented to Greenfields Restaurant at the Holiday Inn, with the Runner Up Award going to the The American Legion Post 31.
The Chef’s Best Display Award went to Sweet Lovin’ Creations, with the Runner Up Award going to Killington Resort.
The People’s Choice Award was presented to Red Clover Inn.
For more information visit rutlandvermont.com/event/winter-august-celebration.