Thursday, August 25, 2011

Kroger and Something Delightful Win Fayette Chamber Platinum Plate Competition

Something Delightful Bakery & Café Owner Mary Jane Hollister
with Chamber President & CEO Virginia Gibbs


As a precursor to the upcoming Community Expo, the Fayette Chamber hosted the Platinum Plate competition at their monthly Business After Hours event held at Delta Community Credit Union, the Expo’s presenting sponsor. Kroger supermarket was the winner of the Platinum Plate Award (small bites category) while Something Delightful Bakery Café of Peachtree City won the Platinum Plate Award (dessert category).

Kroger’s Chef Brian Boldt says he improvises when he cooks. “There’s no such thing as an original recipe,” says Boldt. His glazed quail with pomegranate, honey and lavender took the prize in the small bites category.

Kroger Chef Brian Boldt with Chamber President
& CEO Virginia Gibbs
Meanwhile, on the dessert side, Something Delightful’s carrot cake cheesecake proved to be the winning sweet. “I look for unusual combinations,” said Something Delightful’s owner Mary Jane Hollister. “Carrot cake and cheesecake are two things everybody loves.”

Other competitors were Cookie Express, Ultimate Café (Fayette Senior Services), Contemporary Catering, Panera Bread and A Taste of the South Catering (Wendell Coffee). Shane’s Rib Shack, A Better Way Café and Rita’s Ice were not able to participate in the competition, but will be serving up tasty treats at the Expo.

The panel of judges included State Rep. Matt Ramsey of Peachtree City, Nancy Jaworski of My Chef Nancy and Melanie Myer, Delta Community Credit Union branch manager and chamber board chair.

The community is cordially invited to attend the Expo on Sept. 13th at New Hope Church, 551 New Hope Road, Fayetteville, to sample delicacies from all participating food service vendors. Admission is free.

More than 2,000 patrons attended last year’s Expo, which had over 100 exhibitors. This year, all exhibitor space has again been filled, so patrons can see new and familiar offerings available from businesses, non-profit and public agencies in Fayette County.

There will be lots of giveaways and drawing prizes, including a netbook and a Serenbe gift package, as well as health screenings, product demos and much more. Don’t miss the fun…mark your calendars for Sept. 13th and join us at the Expo!

About the Chamber: The Fayette Chamber is a strong, vibrant network of businesses and organizations working together to promote economic prosperity and strengthen our community. Through the chamber, important connections are made that provide the framework for our community to grow and prosper. With the goal of maintaining and enhancing our excellent quality of life, the chamber provides strong leadership, networking, education and programs that encourage partnerships between businesses and the community.