2008 Taste of Tillamook County News and Press Releases

TILLAMOOK, Ore. – February 29, 2008 – How would you like to see some of the finest chefs in Oregon battle to create their most distinct culinary creations? Join the excitement at the Taste of Tillamook County’s Black Box Cooking Competitions on Saturday, March 15, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday, March 16, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. On Saturday, see Chef Lamont Hanson from Three Doors Café in Portland compete with Chef Piet Vanden Hogan from Pelican Pub and Brewery in Pacific City. Join the audience for Sunday’s competition, which will include Chef Chris Holen from Baked Alaska in Astoria, and Chef Josh Anderson of Blackfish Café in Lincoln City.

In the Black Box Cooking Competitions, each chef will use secret ingredients showcasing Tillamook County’s bounty. Chef Geoff Gunn of The Lumberyard Grill in Cannon Beach emcees as competing chefs share their cooking talents, passion for using regional ingredients, and enthusiasm for food with a live audience. Each contestant will prepare three courses, including one soup or salad, one appetizer, and one entrée; chefs have one hour to cook and prepare their dishes. Their creations will be evaluated by the following celebrity judges who will decide who wins the Black Box Competition at the 6th annual Taste of Tillamook County.

Saturday, March 15 (Chef Hanson vs. Chef Vanden Hogan) judges include:

Chef John Newman – Owner/Executive Chef, Newmans at 988
Representative Deborah Boone – Oregon State Representative, Dist. 32
Chef Zeb Johnson – Food Service Manager, Tillamook Cheese Farmhouse Café
Rosemary Camozzi – Editor, Oregon Coast Magazine
Cameron Nagel – Founder/Co-Publisher, NW Palate Magazine

Sunday, March 16 (Chef Holen vs. Chef Anderson) judges include:

Leigh Ann Hieronymous – “Cook and Tell with Leigh Ann” CBS cooking segment
Senator Betsy Johnson – Oregon State Senator, Dist. 16
Chef Alan Joynson – Program Director, Tillamook Co. Hospitality, Tourism and Recreation Program
Angela Warren – Tillamook Branch Manager, Bank of Astoria
Lori McKean – Food Columnist, Coast Weekend

The Taste of Tillamook County is a culinary event showcasing the county’s finest restaurants, microbrews, wine cellars, food producers, food processors, local agriculture, arts and entertainment. The sixth annual weekend-long food and music festival will be held Saturday, March 15 through Sunday, March 16, 2008, at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds.

Festivities at the weekend-long event include the Black Box Cooking Competitions, an amateur macaroni and cheese contest, professional cooking demonstrations, a clam chowder cook-off, cheese and spirits pairings, an oyster speed shucking showdown, and more! In addition, children’s activities, live music, and local art, make this an event for the entire family.

TASTE OF TILLAMOOK COUNTY EVENT DETAILS

Times:
Saturday, March 15 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 16 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Admission fees:
$5 adults; $4 seniors and children 12 & under
Family passes also available - $15 for a family of 4
Parking - $1 per vehicle

The annual “Taste of Tillamook County” event stimulates county-wide tourism and economic activities during the off-season by celebrating the County’s diverse products while raising funds for Tillamook County food programs. For more information about the Taste of Tillamook County, including an up to date event schedule, featured music entertainers and vendors, visit www.tasteoftillamookcounty.com for the latest event information.

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Feb 21, 2008 - Last Call for Entries in the Amateur Mac-n-Cheese Contest

Feb 14, 2008 - Deadline Nears to Enter Amateur Mac-n-Cheese Contest

Jan 31, 2008 - Volunteer Opportunities are available!

Jan. 18, 2008 - Amateur Mac-n-Cheese Contest Looking for Entries

		Economic Development Council of Tillamook County 1906-A Third Street Tillamook, Oregon 97141 503-842-2236 www.edctc.com