Look! The Salmonberries are back!
UPDATE: August 3, 2021.
Unfortunately, we have decided to postpone this great event! Due to the increased concerns around protocols protecting the health of locals and visitors alike, we have determined that an event focused on food, created in multiple locations and by many individuals, does not have the control necessary for all to feel safe. Our two guest judges have promised that they will do all they can to return next year. So please, save your recipes, and enthusiasm, and pick all these gorgeous berries as they truly are here this year in great abundance! The prizes are bought, all the plans are in place, we will have a wonderful celebration in 2022! So very sorry to disappoint those who are planning their winning entries – but we’ll be back next year!
A crazy thing, but even the salmonberries were no where to be found last year! No buds, no pink flowers (and you know how much I love pink flowers!) and therefore, no berries! So, 2020 didn’t see a Sweet and Savory Salmonberry competition! But the berries are back and so is our fantastic Salmonberry competition! We will continue with the two inspiring categories, Sweet and Savory and we are so looking forward to your incredible, creative and tasty entries! The event and judging will happen outdoors, on the deck (pray for sunshine!) usually under the Boardwalk Hotel’s tented area! One of the highlights of the night is being able to sample these amazing treats, so, when the judging is completed of each entry, we will be passing out samples on individual plates to interested guests who are dining! We will not be having a buffet line as we’ve had in the past.
There are really no specific rules, other than the item has to have salmonberries in it! Obviously, there are judging categories that each entry will be graded on, and we wanted to share them with you this year!
1) Texture (from un-appealing to sublime)
2) Taste (from gag-worthy to mouth-watering)
3) Salmonberry theme (from “where are the berries?” to “I didn’t know salmonberries tasted this good!”)
4) Presentation (from un-appealing to restaurant worthy)
Speaking of judges! We are thrilled to have Kirsten and Mandy Dixon back again this year as our Celebrity judges! Kirsten and her husband Carl own and operate two very beautiful resorts in Alaska – Within the Wild Adventure Lodges! One of their properties is right in our neighborhood on the south side of Kachemak Bay- Tutka Bay Lodge which enjoys beach activities and the beauty of the ocean and the other resort, Winterlake Lodge is at the entrance of the Alaska range along the Iditarod trail. In addition to working in the lodges, Mandy has her own restaurant right on the Homer Spit, La Baleine where she serves the freshest and most organic Alaskan food possible! We are thrilled that they are here again to share in this great event! Kirsten and Mandy also just came out with a brand new cookbook, Living Within The Wild, which is literally a piece of art and storybook all in one! And the beauty of this book? Following Mandy and Kirsten’s recipes, you too, can create incredible dishes designed by two master chefs, internationally known for their Alaskan flare! I’m hopeful they will be bringing a few cookbooks with them to sell and I’m sure they would love to sign them for you as well!
We are that Suzie Stranik, our local chef and gourmet food magician has honored us as our third judge this year! Besides loving to cook and having the ability to make delicious food, (even in large group quantities as a caterer) Suzie makes everything beautiful! From her gardens, to her salads to her artful hats – Suzie breathes beauty! We are excited to have her sitting at our judges table this year – though we’re sad that she won’t have an entry this year, as we look always enjoy her culinary creations!
Here’s all the info you need to know about our competition Summer 2021!
1) Please bring your entry to the Boardwalk Hotel between 5:30pm and 6:30pm on Saturday, AUGUST 7, 2021
2) There must be enough for three judges to sample
3) There must be salmonberry ingredients! Obviously!
4) Please have a NAME for your entry – and a DESCRIPTION (some ingredients, but don’t give it all away!)
5) You may enter multiple times in each category!
6) There are two categories, SWEET & SAVORY. You must choose ONE category per entry.
7) Please label your dishes/serving utensils so that we’re sure to get them back to you
8) We cut up the remaining items and share with the spectators, which has been a really fun part of the event, so please feel free to bring enough of your entry to share with some of the crowd – as we do have a People’s Choice award!
9) There are prizes, and local fame! 🙂
This event is sponsored and hosted by The Boardwalk Hotel and Seldovia Property. We are so looking forward to seeing all the delicious entries this year! Come dine at the Boardwalk and taste some treats and get a few autographs and purchase a new cookbook! 🙂
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