Archive for the ‘Contest’ Category

Each Ticket includes:

• Wine Tasting + sampling of gourmet “bites”
• 100% of all ticket sales and a portion of wines sales sold at the event will be divided among the charities of the winning teams.
• More VIP fun such as meet and greet with owner/vintner Kathryn Hall.
• Vote for your favorite dish in the People’s Choice category

How to Purchase Tickets – This event sold out last year.  Reserve your tickets through our online store today. A confirmation will be sent by email. Tickets will be charged the week of the event.

Participating Chef Teams - Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ,  Ca Momi, Carpe Diem, Culinary Mercenary, Cuvee, Feast, La Condesa, Market St. Helena, The Grill at Meadowood, Napa Valley Biscuits, Oenotri, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering

Professional Judges - Hiro Sone and Lissa Doumani – Terra; Chef Ken Frank -  La Toque; Chef Brandon Sharp – Solbar

For more information go to: www.hallwines.com/cabernetcookoff

Questions? Contact Diem Doonan at 707.967.2673 or ddoonan@hallwines.com

Online Promotion Features Interactive Recipe Contest with “Party Season” Prize Packages

Following its wildly popular debut last year, The Shrimp Council’s “Shrimp & Pasta Party!” Facebook promotion kicked  giving fans of the Council’s Eat Shrimp page another opportunity to drum up some inventive shrimp-and-pasta cyber-recipes!

The Shrimp Council is hosting the 2013 edition of the six-week promotion in partnership with OLD BAY® Seasoning.

Since launching the Eat Shrimp Facebook page in 2011, The Shrimp Council has amassed a fan base in excess of 40,000 – a flood of professed shrimp lovers who engage with the page and each other frequently.  The Shrimp Council connects with these fans in various ways, from sweepstakes such as the popular Shrimp & Pasta Party! to surveys about nutritious and delicious shrimp.

Additionally, by leveraging this group as a go-to resource for feedback about shrimp, The Shrimp Council is able to gather valuable data and insights into preferences for the shining star of the sea.

In a survey conducted in August 2012, fans of Eat Shrimp overwhelmingly chose shrimp and pasta as a favorite combination.  The delectable duo of shrimp and pasta is a natural fit and the distinctive taste of OLD BAY Seasoning takes this simple meal to the next level, delivering bold, zesty flavors.

America’s No. 1 seafood, shrimp is an ideal complement to pasta dishes ranging from tantalizing Thai to authentic Old-World Italian.  According to the Rome-based International Pasta Organization, Americans enjoyed an average of nearly 20 pounds of pasta per person in 2011.

Also in 2011, shrimp reigned supreme, with Americans consuming more shrimp than any other seafood, averaging just over 4 pounds per person.  The popularity of the two ingredients, combined with their affordability, ease of preparation and versatility, makes shrimp and pasta a perfect pair.

The second annual Shrimp & Pasta Party! on The Shrimp Council’s Eat Shrimp Facebook page begins Feb. 13, continues through Lent and culminates on Easter Sunday, March 31.

The promotion features an interactive recipe contest, a place for people to share their favorite things about shrimp, and more.  Fans are encouraged to come up with creative pasta-and-shrimp meal options for a chance to win one of five “Party Season” prize packages.  Each package includes a $100 gift card – redeemable at the winner’s grocery store of choice – and branded items from OLD BAY, including a T-shirt, a hat and the world-famous and deliciously unique blend of 18 herbs and spices known as OLD BAY® Seasoning.

“The flavor pairing of OLD BAY and shrimp dates back more than 70 years.  Where there is shrimp, you’re going to find OLD BAY.  Whether it’s steamed shrimp, shrimp scampi, or even creamy shrimp and penne, OLD BAY is the flavor that makes the dish unforgettable,” said Ben Flood, Product Manager for OLD BAY.  “Shrimp is the perfect ingredient for making OLD BAY shine.”

Consumers are invited to join the party by “liking” Eat Shrimp on Facebook and checking out the Shrimp & Pasta Party! app.

The interactive recipe contest invites fans to create their own shrimp-and-pasta recipes using preselected ingredients from six categories:  pasta, protein, sauce, veggies, cheese, and, of course, herbs and seasonings.  Each selected ingredient will automatically populate on a plate, ultimately displaying a final “dish” that the contestant submits for judging.

The contest runs through March 31 and the five winners will be announced April 5, 2013.

“We have been exceptionally pleased by the interest our loyal fans have shown in the Eat Shrimp page on Facebook, and this latest social media extension should attract an even wider audience,” said Judy Dashiell, Senior Vice President at the National Fisheries Institute.  “We think OLD BAY is a great way to prepare shrimp and, by partnering with this iconic brand, we’re giving great value and exposure to our members.  The Shrimp Council welcomes every company that benefits from U.S. consumers eating more shrimp.  We have a great message and the greater our number, the larger the potential rewards we all share.”

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/EatShrimp.

Writer who best captures the sensation of biting into a superior SweeTango apple wins $5,000 prize!

Apple lovers are raving about SweeTango, calling the new variety the “BEST APPLE EVER!” and telling friends: “Yum!!! You’ve got to try SweeTango!”

The growers behind this highly anticipated apple know their fans can do better than capital letters and exclamation points. That’s why Next Big Thing, A Growers Cooperative is launching the “Juicy Details” writing contest.

The rules are simple: Describe the sensation of biting into a SweeTango apple in 50 words or fewer. Whoever best captures SweeTango’s superior eating experience wins $5,000 and gets their description featured in stores for all the world to see.

Celebrity Chef Art Smith, who knows a thing or two about taste, will help pick the winner.

“I often find that preparing a dish is the easy part. Describing the flavors and textures is the real challenge,” Smith said. “SweeTango is a superior apple that deserves the perfect description. Who better to create that description than SweeTango’s biggest fans?”

Smith is a restaurateur, author, philanthropist, activist and reality show contestant. He will pour over all the entries, looking for the one that best evokes the distinct flavor, texture and overall joy that is SweeTango. The winning writer will receive a grand prize of $5,000 and a box of SweeTango apples. The winner also will have their delicious description featured in stores during the 2013 season.

“Chef Smith is a true arbitrator of taste and we’re excited to have him help select the winner of the Juicy Details contest,” said Tim Bryne, president of Next Big Thing, A Growers Cooperative. “We can’t wait to see how our fans describe the experience of biting into a delicious SweeTango apple.”

Three runners-up also will receive a 12-pack of SweeTango apples. The Juicy Details contest will be open through October 12, 2012 to residents of the United States and Canada over the age of 18, excluding the province of Quebec.

SweeTango, the most celebrated apple variety in years, has won over sophisticated foodies and casual fans alike. SweeTango is crisp and juicy with a smooth texture. The flavor is rich and vibrant. Sweet notes framed by bright acidity gratify with every crisp bite.

Introduced in limited quantities in 2009, SweeTango is a cross between the Honeycrisp and Zestar! varieties. SweeTango, an early season variety, is available in stores nationwide this fall. The apple’s flavor is nurtured by the finest apple growers in the world. Featured in the 2011 food issue of The New Yorker magazine, SweeTango was developed by expert apple breeders and is grown by committed family-run orchards.

For more information on how to enter and win the Juicy Details contest, please visit http://www.sweetango.com

Wanted: Kids aged 3 to 7 to Test Our New Virtual Learning World! Families and Early Educators Get Complimentary Access Plus a Free Kindle Book

Cackleberries.com is offering families and early educators a chance to test and explore the most recent additions to the Oville, an Internet-safe, commercial-free virtual world for children ages 3 to 7. Cackleberries seeks innovative ideas for creating future reading, numeracy, and life skills activities and games.

When asked why the company has decided to go into beta-mode and open their virtual world for families and teachers, Cackleberries CEO, Eronne Foster, said, “We have a very successful virtual English Immersion School in Oville and we are currently building a virtual Math School as well. We want to make sure that the content in Oville—the games, books, activities, music, and such—are a good fit for the children who are going to our schools. After their lessons, we want them to have fun playing in Oville and keep learning.”

As an incentive, the company is now offering complete access to their virtual world at no cost. In addition, any families or teachers who sign up for Cackleberries.com between now and midnight September 30th will be gifted a free copy of Cackleberries five-star rated early reader Kindle picture book Different and the Same, which was produced in association with Variety International the Children’s Charity.

To sign up for your free Oville membership, please go to Cackleberries.com. Anyone signing up for Cackleberries by September 30th will receive their free Kindle picture book by email. To keep up with Oville’s latest educational games, books, music, and cartoons, follow Cackleberries’ Facebook page.

Did you know that September is National Better Breakfast Month?  Well, in honor of the most important meal of the day, we are sharing some great products from T-fal to help you start off each day in style. Whether you’re a grab-n-go eater or prefer your breakfast at the morning table, the below products from T-fal will help put an end to the old morning drive-through habit for good!

Scrambled Eggs anyone?

T-fal’s Mini One Egg Wonder: If cookware could be cute – this would definitely qualify! The T-fal Mini One Egg Wonder makes the perfect single-serving of eggs every time, without having to dirty a full-sized pan.  The little pan packs the punch when it comes to quality, as it features T-fal’s signature non-stick interior and exterior, comfort grip handles and an even heat base for fast and even cooking.

Don’t burn the toast!

T-fal Avanté Deluxe Toaster – Make your breakfast favorites like bagels and breads in a flash with the T-fal Avanté Deluxe Toaster.  The sleek angled design (no more burnt fingers!) provides safe, easy viewing and removal, so your breakfast is perfectly crisp, plus, it’s 40 % faster than conventional toasters!

Fluffy Pancakes, please!

Make family breakfasts a whole lot easier! The T-fal Giant Pancake Griddle whips up fluffy, golden brown pancakes every time with T-fal’ unique thermo-spot technology that shows when the pan is perfectly preheated and ready for the first batch!

Tea instead of coffee?

T-fal Vitesses Electric Kettle: No more waiting for the kettle to whistle! The T-fal Vitesses Electric Kettle is the perfect way to quickly heat water for tea, oatmeal or instant coffee before you run out the door. With an adjustable temperature control for perfect brewing and 7 cup container, the kettle guarantees safe and quick heated water.

For information on these products, or the rest of the T-fal line, log onto: t-falusa.com.

We’d like to help you obtain a great start to the day by offering you your chance to win a T-fal Giant Pancake Griddle.  Simply click here for and fill out an entry form for your chance to win.

Good luck!

Nedrea

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker Hosts Two FREE Baking Classes on Saturday, September 29 at Macy’s Union Square

WHAT

Scharffen Berger® chocolate is hosting two FREE baking classes to kick off The Chocolate Adventure Contest 2012 Sandwich Cookie Edition.

Chocolate enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area are invited to sign up for one of two free classes, led respectively by two of the country’s foremost baking and chocolate experts. Chef Yigit Pura and Author Alice Medrich will demonstrate their exclusively-developed, Chocolate Adventure Contest-inspired sandwich cookie recipes. Attendees will enjoy samples of these signature desserts, and are encouraged to ask questions about baking and cooking with chocolate, recipe inspiration and more.

WHEN

Saturday, September 29, 2012

2:00pm – 3:00 pm with Yigit Pura

CHLOE’S PASILLA SPICED COOKIE SANDWICHES WITH PASILLA CHILI-INFUSED SCHARFFEN BERGER® CHOCOLATE GANACHE AND CACAO NIB MUDSLIDES

Yigit Pura is the owner and executive pastry chef of Tout Sweet Patisserie at Macy’s Union Square and the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef: Just Desserts, Season One.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm with Alice Medrich

NIBBY NUTTY MOCHA BANANA ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

Alice Medrich is an award-winning, best-selling cookbook author and one of the country’s foremost experts on chocolate and chocolate desserts.

WHERE

Macy’s Union Square

Cellar Demo Kitchen, Lower Level

170 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco

RSVP

Classes are limited to one class per person and are available on a first come first served basis. RSVP to ScharffenBergerRSVP@rfbinder.com or 855.601.1902.

THE CHOCOLATE ADVENTURE CONTEST 2012 SANDWICH COOKIE EDITION

Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker challenges bakers of all skill levels to create an original sandwich cookie recipe using at least one Scharffen Berger® chocolate product and at least one of twelve pre-determined adventure ingredients. One Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 and ten culinary honorees will receive a special Scharffen Berger® chocolate engraved iPad.  Entries are accepted from October 1, 2012 through January 2, 2013 and will be judged by a star-studded panel of some of the country’s foremost bakers and chocolate experts.

Please visit www.ChocolateAdventureContest.com for more information, including a list of 2012 Adventure Ingredients and Official Contest Rules.

Peter B’s Brewpub, located behind Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey’s first and only Silver LEED® EB certified hotel, has won the bronze medal for their Fort Ord Wheat Ale at the World Beer Championships. The Fort Ord Wheat Ale received excellent recognition and a high 84-point rating. This bronze medal is the second award that Peter B’s Brewpub has received from the World Beer Championships.

Tastings.com, Beverage Tasting Institute’s (BTI) website, describes the pub’s Fort Ord Wheat Ale as golden in color, and crisp with hints of orange citrus.

Guests at Peter B’s Brewpub can enjoy the award-winning Fort Ord Wheat Ale paired with delicious sustainable dishes prepared by the Portola Hotel & Spa’s Executive Chef Jason Giles.

Peter B’s Brewpub has also previously won a silver medal for their inclusion Amber Ale and a bronze medal for their Ford Ord Wheat at the 2011 World Beer Championships, as well as a bronze medal for their Fort Ord Wheat Ale at the 2012 World Beer Championships.

Recently, Peter B’s Brewpub harvested their first hops from Rancho Cielo, a restored piece of Salinas Valley natural history.

For more information on Peter B’s Brewpub and Portola Hotel & Spa, please visit http://www.portolahotel.com/

The topic? “Why is ending childhood hunger in America important to you?”

Share Our Strength, the leading national nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America is sponsoring an essay contest starting Sunday, September 9.

Topic:  Essays must answer the question, “Why is ending childhood hunger in America important to you?”

• Length: 500 words or less
• Prizes:  Each entrant will receive a prize
• Top three in two age categories (under 15 and 15-21) will win cash prizes of up to $500

The essay is part of Share Our Strength’s Go Orange for No Kid Hungry® drive, which encourages people to wear orange (the color of hunger awareness) September 6-9.

Why:

The month of September and the color orange are dedicated to the cause of hunger awareness. More than 16 million kids in America struggle with hunger. That’s 1 in 5 kids who face hunger in the U.S. America’s young people have the power and the passion to help change this, by learning the facts,  inspiring us with their stories, and joining No Kid Hungry with actions big or small.

Who:

• Participants must be no older than 21 years of age.
• Classrooms, sports teams, clubs, youth organizations and other types of youth groups can submit one essay as a group or one from each member of the group.

When:

• Essays must be submitted between Sunday September 9, 12:01 EST and Monday, September 24 at 11:59 p.m. EST.

How:

To submit an essay, participants must:

• Email the essay and a photo of themselves or their group wearing the color orange to NoKidHungry2@strength.org.  *Handwritten essays must be scanned and emailed.
• Make the subject line of the email “2012 Go Orange for No Kid Hungry Essay Contest.”
• Be sure to include their full name, age and contact phone number.

For more information, please visit www.nokidhungry2.org/goorange.

About Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign and No Kid Hungry 2

More than 16 million children in America struggle with hunger. Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign is ending childhood hunger by ensuring all children get the healthy food they need, every day. The No Kid Hungry campaign connects kids in need with nutritious food and teaches their families how to cook healthy, affordable meals. By doing this, we surround children in this nation with healthy food where they live, learn and play. Get involved at NoKidHungry.org. No Kid Hungry2 presents America’s youth with opportunities and ideas to become join the campaign through education and actions. See how at www.NoKidHungry2.org.

10,000 Comforters to be Donated to US Military Families

The Company Store®, one of America’s largest home décor and bedding companies for more than 100 years, is proud to announce the launch of its “Kids Design Contest” in which children nationwide will have the opportunity to design comforters to be donated to military families. This year, The Company Store has partnered with Operation Homefront, an organization that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of the United States’ service members and wounded veterans, to give away more than 10,000 comforters to military families in need across the nation.

Last year, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched the Joining Forces initiative to mobilize all Americans to ‘step up and do what they do best’ to support veterans, service members and their families. Roughly 75% of the military families served by Operation Homefront live at an income level 80% below the median income for the communities in which they reside.

“The Kids Design Contest is a way for a child’s creativity to brighten the spirits of thousands of military families facing difficult times,” said The Company Store Director of Marketing Karen Feldman. “We couldn’t think of a better way to engage children to support these incredible servicemen and women by giving them the comfort and care that they so deserve.”

The contest runs through June 22, 2012. Voting will take place on Facebook from June 23-30, 2012 and the winner will be announced on the 4th of July 2012. The winning design will be made into thousands of comforters and will be donated to the families of servicemen and women around the nation.

In addition to the creation of the winning comforter, the three “designers” with the most votes on Facebook will also win a gift card as a token of The Company Store’s appreciation.  Those interested in participating can get more information by going to www.thecompanystore.com and clicking on the tab “Kids Design Contest” to view the official rules.

Tomorrow is the last day to submit your recipe for a chance to become Safeway’s next chef! Your future awaits!

Aspiring chefs from across the nation will compete for a job with the Safeway Culinary Kitchens team. The state-of-the-art Safeway Culinary Kitchens develops innovative food products tailored to its shoppers who are seeking simple, healthier and convenient meals.

Submit your resume and original all-natural skillet meal to join the competition which will culminate in a final cook-off at the Safeway Culinary Kitchens in Pleasanton, Calif. where chefs will cook their original, delicious and nutritious skillet meals. Executive Chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli from Food Network’s Chopped and Iron Chef will join an experienced judging panel of Safeway chefs and executives to select the winning chef who will join the culinary team.

The winner will be awarded a full-time position at the Safeway Culinary Kitchens and their winning recipe will be included in the Open Nature Skillet Meal sold in stores nationwide.

Enter the competition by clicking here. 

Good luck!