(PRESS RELEASE) On Sunday, December 8 Leadership Prince William and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce hosted their 4th Annual Gourmet Guys Give Back amateur cooking competition at Linton Hall School in Bristow.
Over 200 adults and children came through the doors, including Santa Claus himself.
Guests sampled dishes and voted for their favorites to identify the Peoples’ Choice winners. Judges’ Awards were given by professionals in the food service industry: Eric Pollard, Executive Chef at Novant Health UVA Health System Prince William Medical Center; Charles Gilliam, Owner of Okra’s Cajun Creole; Gina Michak, Owner of “From Gina’s Kitchen;” Kumar Iyer, Owner of Rangoli Restaurant and Shawn Terry of Smokin’ Shawn’s BBQ. Gourmet Guys Give Back featured a visit from Santa Claus, children’s activities by ImagiNation Learning Centers, and live music by local singer-songwriter Greg Dodson.
And the winners are….
Judges’ Awards:
BEST APPETIZER:
Larb Sliders by Xiao-Yin Byrom, Owner of Tang’s Alterations, Bridal & Bespoke;
BEST SOUP/CHILI (and winner of the Judges’ Top Prize):
Thai Fusion Soup by Xiao-Yin Byrom;
BEST SALAD/SIDE DISH:
Minted Cucumber Salad by Xiao-Yin Byrom;
BEST MAIN DISH:
The Royal Masala by Shan Lateef, a student in Prince William County Public Schools and a past graduate of the Leadership Prince William Summer Youth Academy;
BEST GRILL ITEM:
Smoked Beef Brisket by Brian Sipes of the Prince William County Service Authority; a member of the Leadership Prince William Class of 2020;
BEST DESSERT:
Chocolate Éclair Cake by Aaron Tolson, Development Director at ACTS and a 2018 graduate of Leadership Prince William.
People’s Choice Awards:
BEST APPETIZER:
Triangles of Heaven (samosas) by Shan Lateef;
BEST SOUP/CHILI:
Papa D’s Lobster Bisque by Dave Merli;
BEST SALAD/SIDE DISH:
Minted Cucumber Salad by Xiao-Yin Byrom;
BEST MAIN DISH:
The Royal Masala by Shan Lateef;
BEST DESSERT:
Chocolate Éclair Cake by Aaron Tolson.
FAN FAVORITE:
Smoked Beef Brisket by Brian Sipes of the Prince William County Service Authority. Brian’s brisket received 94 total votes, making it a run-away for the top prize.
Sponsors for Gourmet Guys Give Back included Employment Enterprises, Inc; Novant Health UVA Health System;
Linton Hall School; The Benedictine Sisters of Virginia; ImagiNation Early Childhood Learning Center;
Prince William Living, What’s Up Prince William; Mike Garcia Construction; Tang’s Bridal, Alterations & Bespoke; FVCbank; Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center; the Prince William Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and FreshySites.
Proceeds from Gourmet Guys Give Back benefit the programs and activities of Leadership Prince William and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce two community organizations nurturing local leadership, and supporting the business and not-for-profit communities of greater Prince William County and Manassas.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
