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Local Talent Rises to the Challenge at Alexis de Portneuf's "The Young Chefs"

Okanagan Wine Festivals Society celebrates local culinary talent during Fall Okanagan Wine Festival

On the evening of Thursday October 10th, Okanagan Wine Festivals Society and Alexis de Portneuf showcased 7 local young chefs and 3 apprentice teams from Okanagan College in a culinary showdown bursting with innovation and enhanced by the presence of 7 fantastic local wineries. Alexis de Portneuf presents "The Young Chefs" is a Fall Okanagan Wine Festival favorite, evidenced by the sold out crowd of 150. A spectacle of culinary excellence and fine Okanagan wines, the event honors up and comers of the local culinary world with stiff competition. Judged this year by Judie Steeves and Roger Planiden, top awards were given to:

Zachary Drake, The Hotel Eldorado - Top Young Chef
Menu: Merlot Braised Oxtail w/ Pumpkin Risotto, Porcini Crisp, La Sauvagine Gratinee

Perry Bentley's Culinary Students from Okanagan College - Top Appentice Team
Menu: Smoked Caciocavallo Chocolate Cheesecake with a hint of Chilli, Double Chocolate Quinoa Cake w/ Capriny Goat Cheese, Coffee Macaron w/ Caronzola Ganache; Black Current Brush

Always a favorite element among guests is their chance to play judge, as they award the People's Choice young chef, and highlight the guest's favorite wine of the evening. Consumer's awarded:

Hayden Duval, Delta Grand Okanagan - People's Choice Young Chef
Bleubry, Boar and Bacon Stuffed Pickled Jingle Bell Pepper, Maple Bleubry Vinaigrette w/ Mixed Greens

St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery, Oak Bay M. Foch 2011 - Guest's Choice Favorite Wine

The Okanagan Wine Festivals Society congratulates all participants, and raises our glass to the award recipients!