Ladies and gentlemen, start your grills the Similkameen is about to name a new BBQ King.
The annual Similkameen BBQ King event will be held on July 13 from 5-9 p.m. at the historic Grist Mill and Gardens in Keremeos. This truly unique Similkameen wine and food experience is a competition where nine featured chefs compete for the coveted title of Similkameen BBQ King or Queen.
The competing chefs will create unique dishes for guests using organic ingredients from local farmers in the heart of Canada’s organic capital.
Attendees at the event will go from station to station enjoying the foods prepared by each chef, along with Similkameen wines specifically paired to go with each dish, and then all attendees get the opportunity to cast their vote for the Similkameen BBQ King or Queen.
“The Grist Mill provides a stunning venue for the event,” said George Hanson, president of the Similkameen Wineries Association. “It truly is an extraordinary evening and a very special Similkameen experience.”
Chef Greg Fuchs (Gregor’s Gourmet), the 2012 Similkameen BBQ King and Chef Chris Van Hooydonk (Artisan Culinary Concepts), the 2011 Similkameen BBQ King are returning.
During both of these years, the event placed second overall in the Best Food/Drink Experience of the Year category for the Exceptional Eats Awards from readers of Eat Magazine.
The field of chefs will also include Karl Schorb from the Branding Iron, Derek Uhlemann from Covert Farms, Ross Derrick from the Delta Grand Okanagan, Natasha Schooten from Terrafina Restaurant, Justin Paakunainen from Walnut Beach Resort, Jonas Stadtlander from Watermark Beach Resort and Marianne Baraham of the Whitewater Cooks team.
In addition to these amazing chefs, there will also be some delicious appetizers from Benia Thai to enjoy.
In addition to the food and wine, there will also be live entertainment by Karen Fowlie, an acclaimed entertainer from Horseshow Bay performing acoustic rock. She has been acknowledged by B.C.’s Attorney General and has opened for the classic rock band Trooper.
A silent auction will take place as a partial fundraiser for the Grist Mill with unique wine and food experiences themed around the competing chefs and Similkameen member wineries.
Tickets for the 2013 Similkameen BBQ King are $80 and can be purchased at any of the Similkameen Winery Association wineries, Keremeos Visitor Centre, via PayPal at www.SimilkameenWine.com or by calling Kim at 250-488-0878.
Shuttle options are available from throughout the Okanagan/Similkameen and accommodation packages as well.